Job Description
Job description
Job Description
Job Title: Quality Lab Manager
Location: Oakville, ON
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Quality
Work Arrangement: In-Office
The Company:
Polar Performance Materials was founded in 2012 and produces ultra-high purity alumina (HPA) using a proprietary low-carbon process. The factory, located in Oakville Canada is powered with electricity generated by Niagara Falls. Polar’s HPA is increasingly necessary to manufacture products used in high growth, high purity semiconductor applications. Other applications include LEDs, lithium-ion batteries, thermal management materials, and technical ceramics utilized in aerospace, medical and industrial systems.
Company Values:
• Quality is our signature
• Act with respect. Period
• Foundation of Safety
• Winning with Customers one solution at a time
• Be Real
• Positive intent
Position Overview
We are seeking a Quality Lab Manager with 5–8 years of experience to lead daily laboratory operations, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and manage a team of lab technicians and analysts. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing product testing, maintaining documentation, and driving continuous improvement in lab practices. This role requires strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of GLP and ISO standards, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
Being a strong team player and contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment is key to success in this role
Key Responsibilities
• Oversee daily laboratory operations and manage a team of quality analysts/technicians.
• Ensure timely and accurate testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products.
• Maintain and enforce compliance with SOPs, GLP, ISO, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Develop, review, and approve lab documentation including SOPs, test methods, deviation reports, and certificates of analysis.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Production, Regulatory, QA) to support manufacturing and product release timelines.
• Manage lab investigations, out-of-specification results, and root cause analyses.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and validated.
• Provide technical guidance and training to lab staff; evaluate team performance.
• Participate in audits and inspections by internal teams and regulatory agencies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices in lab operations.
• Manage inventory of lab supplies and ensure resource availability.
• Foster a collaborative team culture, encouraging open communication, shared learning, and mutual support across the quality and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate and uphold the company’s core values in daily work, team leadership, and decision-making.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in a quality lab environment, including at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Experience in a regulated industry (e.g., pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, biotech, or medical devices).
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks: GLP, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, etc.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with LIMS, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis tools.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to lead and shape a high-performing quality team
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
