Description:
Our client, a global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical product testing is looking for an energetic and engaged leader to take operational ownership of a food testing microbiology laboratory in Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton) or BC (Vancouver). The desired candidate should have multiple years of food microbiology testing experience (or related field) and leadership track record.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead laboratory, schedule work, and train employees
- Train and document the training of all technical staff on test methods, formal SOPs, regulations, ISO requirements, and laboratory policies/procedures applicable to area of responsibility.
- Ensure adherence to highest quality and efficiency standards in laboratory operations
- Ensure coverage and performance
- Foster morale and teamwork
- Demonstrates and promotes the company vision
- Regular attendance and punctuality
- Assist the Business Unit Manager in managing daily operations of the microbiology laboratory including scheduling, supervising, instructing, monitoring, and assisting in the performance of manual and instrumental analyses
- Perform timely and accurate analysis of samples to meet customer commitments. This includes, but is not limited to, sample preparation for analysis, sample analyses, data review and reduction, and providing data interpretation and opinions
- Investigate to determine the cause of non-conformances that are identified, determine and implement corrective action; and follow-up to ensure that the corrective action resolved the problem
- Review, validate, report and ensure reporting of technical data
- Has authority to execute a work stoppage in the event of a quality issue that would require the lab to stop operations until investigation gives assurance that work can begin
- Use appropriate quality measures, which meet or exceed the standards set by government regulations, and company requirements, when performing assigned tasks
- Understand and follow Quality System documents relevant to responsibilities, e.g., Quality Manual, Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), and Test Methods
- Troubleshoot equipment/instruments utilized and performs minor repairs. Coordinate major instrument repairs with repair person(s)
- Establish and implement procedures to ensure that assigned equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated/standardized, and adequate for the testing performed and is maintained in good working order. This includes maintaining equipment operating instructions, manuals, and required logbooks. Ensures all regulatory procedures pertaining to sample testing are followed correctly, if they are in normal course of work
- The ability and authority to execute a work stoppage in the event of a quality failure that would warrant a work stoppage and the ability to reinstate work once the quality event has been resolved that cause the stoppage
- Maintain a neat and accurate record system; keep accurate records of work performed daily and as needed for quality control and ISO compliance
- Assist laboratory staff in making sure that analytical work done meets ISO requirements
- Review and evaluate test data generated for technical accuracy, as well as SOP and test method compliance. Perform and provide basic evaluation of statistical tests to determine the quality accuracy of data and report values
- Investigate to determine the cause of non-conformances that are identified, determine and implement corrective action; and follow-up to ensure that the corrective action resolved the problem
- Create and review reports
- Review applications, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions for the position reporting to this position
- Review annually the performance of personnel that report directly to this position
- Remain current on technical, industry, and business advancements and trends as suggested by the Business Unit Manager
- Maintain a perpetual state of readiness
- Adhere to all pertinent company health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
- BSc or higher degree in biology, microbiology or related field
- 5 or more years of food microbiology testing experience in commercial laboratory (or related field)
- Leadership experience in testing laboratory (or related field)
- Strong computer skills (LIMS, MS office (Excel, Word, Outlook)).
- Ability to travel for training and work in sister laboratories for at least first 6mo, potentially temporarily relocate to Toronto or US.