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:
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations & Team Leadership
Method Management & Continuous Improvement
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:
