Quality Control Manager, Microbiology &… at Elanco · Elwood

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Quality Control Manager, Microbiology & Environmental Monitoring

This position oversees the Microbiology group within the Quality Control (QC) department, ensuring efficient operations, scientific rigor, and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements including USDA, cGMPs, and internal standards. The role is responsible for managing day-to-day laboratory operations, supporting product release testing, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This individual serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for microbiology assays and partners cross-functionally with teams including Manufacturing, R&D, and Quality to support site objectives.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage daily operations of the QC Microbiology group, including prioritization of testing, issue resolution, and implementation of efficiency and quality improvements. Ensure timely generation of accurate, compliant data while fostering a strong quality and safety culture.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members through performance management, regular feedback, and career development planning. Delegate responsibilities effectively and address performance concerns through appropriate channels.
• Oversee and manage key Quality Systems including deviations, investigations, CAPAs, change controls, controlled documents, and testing records. Ensure proper documentation, timely closure, and regulatory compliance across all activities.
• Interpret and implement regulatory requirements by developing, reviewing, and revising SOPs, policies, and testing procedures. Ensure alignment with current industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Provide technical expertise in microbiological assays, including environmental monitoring, and support troubleshooting, method improvements, and assay optimization initiatives.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional and site-wide projects, including product transfers, R&D initiatives, and process improvements. Represent QC Microbiology in multi-departmental collaborations.
• Manage departmental resources, including budgeting, staffing, and laboratory operations, to meet business and production needs effectively.
• Ensure all team members are appropriately trained and qualified. Promote a culture of continuous learning, compliance, and professional development.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory and corporate requirements, ensuring team adherence and readiness for internal and external audits.
• Demonstrate high ethical and professional standards, reinforcing company values and ensuring compliance with all policies, including safety and quality frameworks.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in a microbiology or QC laboratory setting.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological principles and assays, including environmental monitoring.
• Experience working in regulated environments (USDA, FDA, cGMP).
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, prioritize work, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of quality systems including deviations, CAPAs, and change control processes.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

What Will Give You the Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Experience managing larger teams or multiple work units within a QC environment.
• Background supporting product transfers, method optimization, or R&D initiatives.
• Experience with budgeting and resource planning.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in developing team members and building high-performing teams.

Additional Information

• Location: Elwood, KS Manufacturing Site
• This role requires on-site leadership presence and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for this role but don’t necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other opportunities!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging employees to pursue our purpose. Highlights include:

• Multiple relocation packages
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.