Laboratory Supervisor

Foremost Farms USA is a leading dairy cooperative and one of the largest dairy food and ingredients manufacturing businesses in the United States. The company represents hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members across seven states and produces approximately 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter annually through its network of manufacturing plants. With seven production sites located in Wisconsin and Michigan, along with its corporate headquarters in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin, Foremost Farms USA has established itself as a vital contributor to the dairy industry. The cooperative operates with a commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence, reflecting their mission to "Bring Dairy to Life." Foremost Farms is known for its innovative approach, strong commitment to sustainable farming, and building strong partnerships with their farmers and customers.

The opportunity at Foremost Farms USA is for a full-time Laboratory Supervisor position located in Appleton, Wisconsin. As a Laboratory Supervisor within the Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory department, this role oversees daily laboratory operations to ensure the accurate and timely testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. The goal is to maintain strict quality standards that meet both customer expectations and internal company requirements. The position has an exempt classification and operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This role is critical in upholding good laboratory practices (GLPs), safety protocols, and regulatory compliance during lab activities. The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for organizing and directing lab workflow, ensuring accuracy in test results, managing laboratory inventory, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. The supervisor will oversee a team of laboratory technicians, manage scheduling, hiring, onboarding, and provide ongoing training to maintain consistent and reliable testing outcomes.

Additionally, this role serves as backup support to both the Quality Control Supervisor and the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager. The supervisor also supports other regulatory and quality initiatives, including environmental monitoring, equipment calibration, and participation in audits conducted by regulatory bodies, customers, and internal teams. The position demands strong leadership to foster the development and performance of lab staff while maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory environment.

Candidates should have 2-5 years of laboratory experience in a food manufacturing environment, particularly with a firm understanding of GLPs and laboratory safety practices. The ideal candidate will hold an associate degree or equivalent experience in related fields like biology, microbiology, chemistry, or food science. Expertise with microbiological and analytical test methods, along with knowledge of good manufacturing practices and quality systems in food manufacturing, especially dairy, is preferred. Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Foremost Farms USA also offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, generous paid time off and holidays, paid parental leave, health savings account options, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, a daily pay option, an employee assistance program, referral incentives, and opportunities for career growth.

Foremost Farms values diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. They are committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics. Successful candidates must complete pre-employment screening including drug tests and background checks.

This role is ideal for a motivated professional interested in a meaningful career in the dairy food safety and quality assurance sector, contributing to a cooperative that values excellence, innovation, and community connection.Join Foremost Farms USA and be part of a team dedicated to quality dairy production and sustainable growth.