Quality Control Group Leader

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you ready to lead a high-impact Quality Control team ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of enzyme and advanced food protein products? At Novonesis in Blair, Nebraska, our QC team plays a critical role in supporting production through reliable analytical and microbiological testing.

You’ll join a collaborative and fast-paced team of approximately 20 professionals, working closely with production and quality stakeholders to deliver on our mission of sustainable, science-based solutions. If you thrive in a hands-on leadership role where quality and continuous improvement are key, this could be the opportunity for you.

As QC Group Leader, you will oversee daily laboratory operations and lead a team of technicians and analysts to deliver high-quality, compliant testing results. This is a primarily operational role with strong tactical leadership responsibilities, offering the opportunity to drive performance, improve workflows, and contribute to site and global QC initiatives.

• Lead and supervise a team of 10+ laboratory technicians and analysts to meet production timelines

• Oversee analytical and microbiological testing activities, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance

• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to laboratory safety standards

• Review and monitor QC data to ensure compliance with global standards and identify improvement opportunities

• Ensure team training, competency, and adherence to procedures and systems

• Lead deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industrial laboratory experience

• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience

• Strong knowledge of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and laboratory standards

• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures effectively

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in investigations

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Ability to be medically cleared to wear a respirator if require

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience with LIMS, SAP, or similar ERP systems

• Hands-on experience with analytical and microbiological instrumentation

• Familiarity with continuous improvement tools and methodologies

• Experience working with global quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025, FSSC 22000, FAMI-QS)

• Ability to build strong cross-functional networks

At Novonesis, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven company focused on innovation and sustainability. We offer:

• Opportunities to grow as a leader within a global QC network

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment

• Exposure to cross-functional and global stakeholders

• Ongoing development and continuous improvement initiatives

• A culture focused on quality, accountability, and teamwork

• On-site, laboratory-based role in Blair, Nebraska

• Supports a 7-day operation with a primary Monday–Friday schedule and flexibility as needed

• Office-first environment to support leadership presence and daily lab operations

• Minimal to no travel required

• Expected base salary: $80,000 – $100,000

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution 

• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time  

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance   

• Healthcare savings account option  

• Employee assistance program  

• Parental leave 

• All benefits begin on your first day 

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career