Director of Quality - Laboratory Services

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.

Consider applying here, if you want to:   

• Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.   
• Develop lasting relationships with great people.   
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.

Director of Quality - Laboratory Services

The Director of Quality – Laboratory Services is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all Corporate Quality Assurance Laboratory services and activities. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, maintains quality systems, and drives continuous improvement in testing methodologies and laboratory performance.

Reports directly to the Vice President of Quality and Food Safety, operates independently, and directly supervises Laboratory Managers and Technical Staff.

Essential Functions

• Oversees daily corporate laboratory operations, including scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation
• Develops and implements strategic plans that align laboratory teams with corporate quality objectives
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations and maintains accreditation and certification requirements
• Manages laboratory quality systems, approves test methods, and oversees audits and corrective actions
• Maintains regulatory testing policies and programs to proactively protect the company, customers, and consumers from product-related risks
• Provides technical oversight for analytical methods, instrumentation, and proficiency assessments of laboratory staff
• Ensures the accuracy, reliability, and security of laboratory data and oversees laboratory information management systems
• Manages laboratory budgets, capital expenditures, and equipment procurement and maintenance
• Oversees laboratory documentation, reporting, and compliance records
• Leads development and improvement of laboratory safety programs and ensures compliance with safety regulations
• Recruits, trains, coaches, and evaluates laboratory staff, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement

• This position requires up to approximately 25% percentage of time:
  • 25% - on average travels 1 week out of the month

• “Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.”

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 10+ Years – Experience in analytical chemistry, food/beverage analysis, drinking water analysis, or QA in food/beverage manufacturing
  • 6 Years  – Laboratory Management Experience in Position
  • 6 Years  – Experience managing people/projects

              *experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 10+ Years – Experience in analytical Chemistry, Food/Beverage analysis, and Drinking Water analysis
  • 10+ Years – Laboratory Management Experience in Position
  • 10+ Years – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of CLIA, NELAC, ISO 17025, and other relevant laboratory standards
• Demonstrates advanced technical proficiency in analytical chemistry and foundational microbiological testing
• Exhibits strong leadership capabilities and expertise in laboratory team development
• Possesses excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills for effective communication of technical information with executive leadership
• Proficient in data analysis, technical project management and complex problem resolution
• Capable of managing multiple projects within fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and LIMS

This position embodies the values of Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
  • Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating th