Lief Labs is a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements. Our in-house Product Development and R&D team create the best-tasting and most cutting-edge formulations of supplements. Lief also houses a state-of-the-art, full-service Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing facility, which offers custom solutions for a multitude of supplement categories. Lief collaborates with entrepreneurial firms to help them build premier brands. Our turnkey solutions allow us to engage in seamless partnerships that help brands with scalability and sustainable growth. Lief Labs is located in the Santa Clarita Valley (Valencia, CA.) All roles are on-site Monday – Friday. 5:30am-2:00pm.

Summary

The Encapsulation Operator Lead will oversee the encapsulation operations, ensuring accurate and efficient encapsulation of raw materials to produce high-quality products while adhering to safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of encapsulation operators, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate and prioritize encapsulation activities to meet production schedules and ensure timely delivery of products.
• Set up and calibrate encapsulation equipment, ensuring proper functioning and adherence to operating procedures.
• Monitor encapsulation processes to maintain consistency, quality, and accuracy of encapsulated materials.
• Collaborate with Quality Control and Quality Assurance teams to ensure compliance with cGMP, FDA regulations, and internal standards.
• Conduct regular inspections of encapsulated products to verify accuracy, consistency, and uniformity.
• Troubleshoot encapsulation equipment issues and perform routine maintenance as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of production activities, material usage, and equipment maintenance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement efficiency-enhancing measures.
• Foster a safe working environment by promoting adherence to safety guidelines and protocols, including LOTO (lock out tag out).
• Assist in the development and revision of encapsulation procedures and protocols.
• Collaborate with inventory and procurement teams to manage raw material levels and availability.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes related to encapsulation operations.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

none

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience as a machine operator specifically on encapsulation equipment, with 2 years in a lead or supervisory role, preferably in the pharmaceutical or dietary supplement industry.
• Strong understanding of encapsulation equipment, processes, and quality standards.
• Knowledge of cGMP, FDA regulations, and quality control practices in a manufacturing environment.

Skills/ Abilities

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven atmosphere.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, quality, and accuracy.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions in a fast paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends, holidays, or overtime as production demands.

Knowledge

• Understand and familiar with Good Manufacture Practice (cGMP), SOP’s.
• Comprehensive knowledge of encapsulation machines and processes preferred.

Work Environment

The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted, and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.

Exposed to various raw materials, including allergens (i.e. milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanuts, wheat, soy).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, sit, talk, move about, hear and speak. May be required to work in restricted spaces and/or under difficult lighting and access conditions.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds and be able to use appropriate support equipment to lift and move greater amounts. Must be able to stand for approximately 8-10 hours.
Must be able to work independently, in a team environment, and drive projects to solution.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to use properly use such safety equipment as is appropriate to the work to prevent injury to self or others.

Additional Information
The Salary Range for this position at Lief Labs is $26.00 - $ 29.00 (USD). Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, skills, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, wellness benefits, education reimbursement program, and PTO. This position is bonus eligible.

Lief is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact the Lief Human Resources department.

Lief will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Lief uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility in the United States. E-Verify compares the information on your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to official government records.