Hybrid Lab Manager bei None

Job Title:  Lab Manager

Department:                   Quality

Classification:                Full-time salary, exempt

Reports to:                     Quality Assurance (QA) Manager

Shift Responsibilities:    Mainly day shift, nights and weekends as needed

OVERVIEW: The Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in the Suntado lab.  This role involves developing, implementing, and managing robust standard operating procedures for laboratory testing and analysis.   The Lab Manager will ensure that employees are taught and use proper aseptic technique when performing micro-plating and testing.  This role will also work closely with the ISDA and lab equipment manufacturers to ensure that calibrations, routine maintenance and operation are all managed to maintain integrity of test methods and results.

The Lab Manager is a crucial member of our senior management team, reporting to the QA Manager.  This role requires an inspiring and collaborative leader and team builder with great people and communication skills.  This position shares responsibility for maintaining Suntado’s food safety, quality and legality program under the BRC/GFSI/PCQI guidelines.

You Will:

• Set and develop lab processes and organization objectives to direct reports.
• Create and revise lab standard operating procedures (SOPs) continuously.
• Identify and hire key lab positions in order to build the organization.
• Train and develop all team members on best practices and standard operating procedures to meet or exceed Suntado lab and customer requirements.
• Develop and implement learning and development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and abilities through performance feedback, coaching and performance reviews.
• Enhance and maintain safety culture and practices for best-in-class workplace safety.
• Analyze and interpret data to drive process improvements across operations.
• Establish and adjust work procedures and schedules to meet production plan.
• Be active and responsive to product or production quality problems, rapidly identifying and implementing remedies.
• Actively ensure that records are reviewed in a timely manner and maintained properly.  Keep the lab inspection/audit-ready at all times.

 The successful candidate will: 

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive quality reporting systems to utilize data generated from lab testing and analysis.
• Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics and provide feedback to operations, maintenance, and leadership team routinely.
• Conduct routine audits and inspections of the production facility to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance lab productivity and drive for operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and supply chain, to identify and resolve quality-related issues.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date quality documentation, including SOPs, lab records, and routine reports.
• Prepare and present regular quality performance reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics, trends, and areas for improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and develop the lab team, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Provide relevant information to address customer complaints and quality issues promptly and effectively, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with lab crew to ensure customer requirements and expectations are met through proper analysis and attention to detail.
• This role primarily involves working in a manufacturing environment, which may require standing, walking, and exposure to varying temperatures.
• Some travel may be required for audits, training, and conferences.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality assurance/quality control in the food manufacturing industry, with a focus on aseptic processing preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• In-depth knowledge of quality assurance principles and rules and regulations governing milk and milk handling. Knowledge of aseptic processing technologies is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in quality management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), HACCP, or Six Sigma are highly desirable.
• Must be able to prioritize, multi-task and problem solve in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to work in a production and warehouse environment requiring repetitive movement, lifting, bending, reaching and mechanical noise from machines. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen.

The employee frequently is required to walk within the site. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

COMMITMENT TO ETHICS AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Our Company is firmly committed to conducting business in compliance with the letter and spirit of the law and other accepted standards of business conduct as reflected in the company's policies. Our Company is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. Our Company is committed to selecting, developing, and rewarding the best person for the job based on the requirements of the work to be performed and without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability/handicap, marital status, protected veteran status, uniform status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity and expression, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. EEO.

DISCLAIMER: 

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required; and usual working conditions of this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this position.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel as classified. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.