Laboratory Coordinator (New Grads & Experienced Lab Coordinators encouraged to apply!)

Job Description:

Our Site Laboratory Coordinator is the hands-on leader responsible for governing the site's analytical testing program and ensuring the absolute integrity of all quality and food safety data.

The Site Lab Coordinator leads the laboratory team in the precise execution of physical and chemical analyses for raw materials, in-process, and finished products. By upholding rigorous standards, including Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and the Mars Site Lab Standard—the Lab Coordinator will ensure that all products meet specifications and that the data used to make critical quality decisions is accurate, reliable, and timely.

Location:

Mars Petcare- Columbia, SC (KKS)

1720 Pineview Road

Columbia, SC 29209

What Mars brands are Made in Columbia, SC?

Pedigree and Temptations

Pedigree and Temptations are popular pet food and treat brands owned by Mars, Incorporated. Pedigree makes complete-and-balanced dry and wet food as well as treats for dogs, while Temptations is a leading brand of crunchy-and-soft pocket treats for cats!

Shift:

• This role is first shift
• Days: Monday-Friday
• Schedule flexibility may be required on occasion based on business demands.
  
  

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and mentor the site's lab technicians, overseeing daily workflows and ensuring accuracy in all analytical testing.
• Supervise the execution of all physical and chemical tests, utilizing a range of equipment including NIR, pH meters, water activity meters, and ELISA/Lateral Flow Devices.
• Govern the site's raw material sampling program, including the safe and aseptic sampling of bulk trucks, totes, and bags.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for the lab team, providing first-level instrument troubleshooting, problem diagnosis, and guidance on analytical calculations (e.g., dilutions, concentrations).
• Quality Systems, Compliance & Data Integrity.
• Own the site lab's compliance with the Mars Quality Management System (QMS) and the Global Site Lab Standard through meticulous documentation, record-keeping, and internal audits.
• Manage all lab-related Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs), driving robust root-cause analysis and ensuring timely closure of deviations.
• Maintain and govern all laboratory documentation, including test records and equipment calibration logs, ensuring they are consistently accurate and audit ready. Perform trend analysis on quality control data, providing insights and escalating any quality or food safety deviations to the Q&FS Manager and relevant line managers.

Method Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the deployment and implementation of new or updated analytical methods as directed by the Regional Q&FS Testing Manager.
• Manage the lab's participation in all required proficiency testing and ring trial programs to validate the accuracy of site-level testing.
• Own the cleaning, maintenance, and calibration program for all laboratory equipment, ensuring instruments are always fit for use.
  

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Act as the primary site liaison for regional and external laboratories, coordinating the preparation and shipment of samples for specialized testing.
• Serve as an active member of the regional site lab community, collaborating with the MGS Site Lab Support Scientist on compliance, root-cause analysis, and best-practice sharing.

• Report quarterly lab performance metrics to Mars Global Services (MGS), providing clear updates on compliance and continuous improvement activities.
• Complete non-conformance investigations for ingredients and provide information for Supplier CAPAs.
• Own Site Calibration Program.

• Submit ingredient and in-process testing to regional lab for testing and monitoring.

• Own site glass and hard plastic program.

• Own site knife and blade program.
• May include other duties and responsibilities as assigned by QFS Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2-year Associate’s Degree (or higher) in a relevant Science Field (e.g., Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or related technical discipline).

• Laboratory Function: 1–3 years of hands-on experience working within a quality laboratory function, preferably in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment (such as food, Petcare, or pharmaceuticals).

• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): Strong foundational knowledge and practical understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Quality Management Systems (QMS).

• Wet Chemistry & Lab Operations: Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge of basic, daily laboratory operations, including precise weighing, titrating, and preparing volumetric solutions.

• Operational Execution: High capability to follow instructions and strictly adhere to established procedures, analytical methods, and safety protocols without deviation.

• Organization & Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, ensuring laboratory data, sample logs, and calibration records are flawlessly maintained.

What can you expect from Mars:

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.