FSQ Microbiology Lab Manager

Job Description

The Microbiology Lab Manager is responsible for leading the facility's microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and pathogen control programs to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) Ownership

• Determine: Sampling locations, Frequency, Expansion strategies after positives

• Focus on: Listeria spp., Indicator organisms

• Oversee: Product testing, Environmental swabbing, Water testing

• Ensure: Lab accuracy and reliability, Equipment calibration and validation

• Maintain proper documentation and compliance

• Pathogen Detection & Control Strategy

• Identify: Harborage points, Recurring contamination areas

• Provide recommendations to: Sanitation, FSQ, Operations

• Data Analysis & Risk Identification

• Analyze micro data trends, Identify: Hotspots, Recurring risks

• Provide actionable insights—not just reports

• Response to Environmental Positives

• Lead structured response to: Listeria positives

• Ensure: Root cause analysis, Deep cleaning and validation, Expanded sampling, Sanitation Validation

• Support validate effectiveness through: Swab data, ATP trends, Identify weaknesses in sanitation execution

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with: FSQ RTE Manager → contamination control, FSQ Raw Manager → upstream risk, Operations → implementation of fixes

Experience & Technical Skills

• 5–10+ years in: Food manufacturing microbiology or QA

• Strong experience with: RTE food environments (highly preferred)

• USDA-regulated facilities

• Environmental monitoring programs

• Expertise in: Listeria control strategies, Environmental sampling methods, Pathogen testing protocols

• Familiarity with: ATP systems, Rapid micro testing technologies

• Understanding of: Hygienic design principles, Sanitation chemistry

Leadership Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

• Ability to influence across functions (Ops, Sanitation, QA)

• Detail-oriented with strong data discipline

• High accountability and urgency in risk management

Physical Demands

• Sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, talk or hear

• Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms

• Close vision

Work Environment

• Plant setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels

• Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors

• Climate-controlled building

• May require limited travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in: Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or related field

• Advanced degree (preferred)

Additional Information

• Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000 (Annually)

• Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

• E-Verify participant