3M

Quality Lab Supervisor

3M • $95K — $116K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED required
  • 3+ years experience in manufacturing, quality, lab, or R&D environments
  • Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering preferred
  • Experience with FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR) or ISO standards beneficial
  • Prior supervisory experience is a plus
  • Knowledge of routine test procedures and problem-solving skills essential

Responsibilities

  • Oversee quality control and wastewater laboratory operations
  • Manage and schedule lab technicians to ensure coverage
  • Coordinate sample testing based on production needs
  • Ensure effective training for lab technicians
  • Promote safety culture and compliance within the lab
  • Identify cost-reduction opportunities in laboratory processes
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives and measure progress

Benefits

  • Access to well-being programs both physically and financially
  • Competitive pay and benefits benchmarked against industry standards
  • Opportunity for continuous improvement and personal development
  • Engagement in pro-active safety culture and environmental health initiatives
  • Participation in a supportive work environment with innovative individuals
Full Job Description

Job Description:

Job Title
Quality Lab Supervisor


The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As a Quality Lab Supervisor, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:


Quality Lab Operations

  • Responsible for operations in the quality control and wastewater (WWT) laboratories.
  • Provide direct oversight and leadership for lab team members.
  • Manage technician schedule to ensure appropriate shift coverage and business continuity.
  • Coordinate between production operations and WWT operations to prioritize sample testing and execution based on production and shipment needs.
  • Support around-the-clock lab operational needs as required.

Quality Lab Training Program

  • Ensure lab technician training remains current, effective, and compliant with applicable requirements.
  • Oversee technician training progression, qualification, and development.
  • Support onboarding and training of new quality technicians.
  • Identify and implement improvements to lab training processes and documentation.

Safety & Environmental Support

  • Serve as an HRP champion within the lab.
  • Ensure HRP+ tools are used appropriately and consistently in applicable lab situations.
  • Identify safety and environmental improvement opportunities and implement effective solutions.
  • Serve as a lab point of contact for EHS audits, reviews, and compliance-related activities.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture through coaching, engagement, and daily leadership presence.

Cost Management

  • Identify and support cost-reduction opportunities within the lab.
  • Partner with chemists, technologists, and other technical resources on cost of poor-quality reduction initiatives.
  • Ensure an efficient utilization of labor, materials, equipment, and external services.

Continuous Improvement

  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the quality & WWT labs.
  • Coach lab technicians on Lean, 5S, and standard work fundamentals.
  • Perform daily lab audits using the “clean to inspect, inspect to detect, detect to correct, correct to perfect” methodology.
  • Support development of lab equipment preventive maintenance schedules and maintenance logbook utilization.
  • Lead kaizen events and improvement projects within the lab.
  • Capture measurable improvements and share best practices with other areas of the site and division.

Your Skills and Expertise 

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:


  • High School Diploma/GED (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Three (3) years of experience in manufacturing, quality, research & development and/or laboratory in a private, public, government or military environment.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in sciences and/ or engineering from an accredited university.
  • Medical product and/or quality management system experience such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Quality System Regulation (QSR) and/or International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
  • Prior experience supervising individual contributors.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable in routine test procedures, equipment validation, and problem solving.
  • Understanding of basic concepts of measurement systems, testing, and calibration
  • Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, continuous improvement, and management skills with the ability to provide guidance, direction, and oversight to others.
  • Continuous Improvement leadership experience including leading projects and kaizen events.

Work location:

  • Onsite in Cordova, IL

Travel: May include up to 10%

Relocation Assistance: Is not authorized


Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).


Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.

U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum.

 

To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status.

 

The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.


Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $95,591 - $116,834, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.

Good Faith Posting Date Range 09/29/2026 To 10/29/2026 Or until filled

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

About 3M

HighJump Software is a global provider of supply chain management software that streamlines the flow of inventory and information from supplier to store shelf. More than 4,500 customers worldwide have transformed their supply chains using HighJump Software. HighJump Software solutions for distribution and logistics, direct store delivery, trading partner connectivity, mobility and manufacturing include: warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, route accounting systems, manufacturing execution, mobile sales, ERP data collection and the TrueCommerce™ EDI Solutions Platform. Functionally rich and highly adaptable HighJump Software solutions support growing and evolving businesses in distribution, food and beverage, 3PL, retail, healthcare and consumer goods industries. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

3M Careers

Join the innovative world of 3M, a global powerhouse where your skills and passion can shape a brighter future. At 3M, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions.

Work You’ll Do

At 3M, you’ll be part of a company known for its leadership in innovation and its commitment to enhancing every home and business worldwide. Our team at 3M is driving industry advancements in health care, safety, electronics, and more, making an impact where it matters most.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Embark on a career path that empowers you to evolve with a company that’s at the forefront of creating real-world solutions. 3M offers a variety of job opportunities and employment positions, from internships that provide a stepping stone into the industry to full-time positions that challenge and grow your professional expertise.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the core of everything we do. At 3M, you’ll work alongside leaders in various fields, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and processes to solve complex problems. Our leadership in the market is sustained by a relentless pursuit of new ideas and a drive for excellence.

Develop Your Professional Skills

3M is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. With access to comprehensive training programs and leadership development opportunities, you can expand your skills and advance your career. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our team is equipped to lead industries and exceed expectations.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at 3M means more than just having a job. It means you’re part of a supportive and inclusive culture that values innovative thinking and collaborative growth. Our benefits package is designed to support the diverse needs of our employees, providing health, wellness, and financial security for you and your family.

Networking and Career Advancement

At 3M, career advancement is supported by robust networking opportunities within the company. Engage with professionals across different sectors, enhancing your visibility and opening up new career paths. Our internal networking platforms help you connect with projects and teams that align with your career aspirations.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Explore the employment opportunities at 3M by searching our open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to drive change.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at 3M by following our careers blog. Gain insights from the people who work here and learn how you can bring your career to the next level with 3M.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Access resources to polish your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and present your best self to our hiring teams. At 3M, we’re excited to meet the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Diversity and Inclusion

At 3M, we believe that diversity fuels innovation. Our diversity training programs are designed to foster an inclusive environment that respects and values individual differences. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. Join 3M today and be a part of our mission to improve lives and build sustainable futures.
Learn more about 3M
Size
95,000 employees
Market Cap
$67.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$5.3 billion
Founded
1902
5 Year Trend
+3.3%
Revenue
$32.1 billion
NASDAQ

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