US Lab Supervisor

Job Title: Lab Supervisor

Location: USA Mocksville, NC

Schedule: M-F

Who we are:

Since 1988, Avgol has been a global leader in providing ultra-lightweight spun-melt non-woven fabrics for the hygiene industry. Proudly serving markets such as baby diapers, adult incontinence, and feminine hygiene products, Avgol is committed to delivering top-quality materials and exceptional service. Our products contribute to the health and well-being of millions of babies, mothers, and senior citizens worldwide. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and global impact, Avgol continues to set the standard in the industry.

Job Summary:

The Lab Supervisor leads the day-to-day operations of the Quality Control laboratory and is accountable for safe, accurate, timely, and consistent inspection and testing activities. This position trains, develops, and manages laboratory personnel; establishes departmental priorities and performance expectations; maintains quality standards and specifications; and supports decisions involving nonconforming material. The role works closely with the Quality Manager, Lab Manager, Quality Engineer, Human Resources, Warehouse, production teams, and other business partners to solve problems, improve processes, and ensure reliable quality records and product disposition decisions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Direct all laboratory activities, assign work, establish priorities, set departmental goals, and monitor completion of daily responsibilities.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop Lab Technicians and other assigned Quality Control personnel on inspection methods, quality standards, systems, documentation, and safe work practices.
• Conduct timely performance discussions and appropriate reviews for direct reports; address performance, attendance, conduct, and staffing matters in partnership with the Quality Improvement Manager and Human Resources.
• Support recruiting, selection, onboarding, corrective action, and separation decisions for department employees in accordance with company policy and HR guidance.
• Facilitate the collection, summary, and analysis of quality data to support root-cause investigation, corrective action, and problem-solving activities.
• Maintain product, raw-material, and process specifications and ensure current requirements are clearly communicated to affected employees and departments.
• Evaluate and disposition suspected nonconforming material, including determining whether material should be downgraded, held, reworked, rejected, or approved to ship within assigned authority.
• Collaborate with Warehouse and other cross-functional teams to identify, control, document, and disposition nonconforming material.
• Review laboratory test results and related records in SAP and Quality Windows (QW) for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate follow-up.
• Troubleshoot certificate of analysis (COA) issues and coordinate corrections or escalation when documentation or test results do not meet requirements.
• Receive and review COAs for raw material delivered in each rail car, complete required documentation, and enter accurate information into QW.
• Ensure laboratory equipment inspections, verification, maintenance, and calibrations are performed and documented according to applicable standards and schedules.
• Develop inspection plans for new products and coordinate effective execution, documentation, and evaluation of laboratory trials.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with Quality employees to review performance, communicate quality issues, reinforce expectations, and assign follow-up actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality controls, workflow, documentation, training, and test methods; implement approved improvements and monitor effectiveness.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned while maintaining accuracy, thoroughness, safety, confidentiality, and compliance with company procedures.

Leadership and Supervisory Accountabilities:

• Model professional, ethical, respectful, and safety-focused behavior and hold employees accountable to consistent standards.
• Translate department and business objectives into clear assignments, measurable expectations, and practical timelines.
• Maintain appropriate staffing coverage and coordinate work so priority inspections, testing, and material decisions are completed on time.
• Provide ongoing feedback, recognition, coaching, and development opportunities that strengthen employee capability and engagement.
• Escalate significant quality, safety, equipment, staffing, or compliance risks promptly to the appropriate manager and business partners.
• Build effective partnerships across Quality, Warehouse, Operations, Human Resources, and other functions to resolve issues and support business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of manufacturing experience including two years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of SAP, Quality Windows (QW), Microsoft Teams, and general computer operations.
• Quality data collection and analysis; statistical process control; specification control; inspection planning; COA review; equipment calibration oversight; nonconforming-material control; and practical mechanical aptitude.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, communicate effectively, solve problems, manage priorities, and supervise a department of 30 or more employees.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in manufacturing and laboratory areas that may not be climate controlled year-round
• Noise levels may range from moderate to loud; hearing protection and other required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas.
• The employee must be able to work safely around laboratory equipment, manufacturing operations, rail-car receiving activities, materials, and normal industrial hazards.
• The role requires sufficient mobility, vision, hearing, communication, and computer-use capability to supervise operations, review test results and documentation, attend meetings, and respond to quality issues.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law and company process.