Operations Manager, Microbiology

About the role

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier, and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 27 countries, we offer a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment, and consumer goods.

External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years. If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast-growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain systems that ensure proper methodologies are being utilized in conformance to client requirements.
• Administer corporate human resource programs relating to employee recruitment and retention, compensation, training and development, equal employment opportunity, performance appraisal, and employment record documentation.
• Analyze and interpret data and provide guidance in the correction of discrepancies before results are released or issued to client service personnel and/or client as needed.
• Ensure data is established in compliance with proper methods.
• Ensure that corrective actions are appropriate for ensuring error elimination and that documentation is completed and follow-up performed as indicated in Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support company initiatives as they relate to systems within the laboratory and work directly with other department leaders to implement methods as needed and ensure a complete understanding so that training can be performed to others effectively.
• Communicate any emerging client requirements to departmental personnel as needed.
• Work directly with internal and external auditors to provide appropriate information that will ensure quality systems are utilized in the execution of testing procedures.
• Develop and maintain expertise in the field of food science and related technologies through available library resources and peer expertise.
• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other systems that are required to complete job responsibilities.
• Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process.
• This position has the responsibility and authority to initiate action to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or test procedures. This authority includes addressing resource needs to properly address issues such as client turn-around time requirements, overtime limits, employee turnover, work stoppage and assure the appropriate type and amount of materials are ready and available for use.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Communication

• Frequent contact with client service personnel is necessary to provide results, answer questions, check on the progress of special projects and obtain any information needed for the analytical procedure to proceed.
• Occasional contact with the client is necessary to obtain or provide information, explain procedures, and discuss specific requirements for testing analysis.
• Occasional contact with the corporate office is needed to answer inquiries about administrative and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Regular contact with management personnel at other locations is necessary to provide analytical information.

Profile

• Knowledge Profile: 2-5 years of relevant work experience with Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; or Masters degree. A thorough knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, food science or extraneous matter is necessary to supervise the activities of departmental personnel and interpret results. A broad knowledge of food science is necessary to obtain accurate analysis results. General knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is needed to review analysis results and correct any discrepancies. Client relation skills are necessary to answer client questions and advise of certain processes. Proficiency in standard operating methods, gained as a microbiologist, chemist, or food scientist, and supervisor, is needed to supervise the activities of the laboratory. Budgeting skills are necessary to determine laboratory budget and to ensure financial efficiency. Organizational skills are essential to maintain smooth operations. Planning skills are helpful to arrange work assignments for departmental personnel. Supervisory skills are necessary to ensure proper and efficient daily operation of assigned tasks.

Required Skills

• The incumbent ensures that the analysis is performed within the specified time limit and results are accurate.
• The incumbent uses technical expertise to determine solutions to problems that occur in the laboratory.
• The incumbent uses reference journals and professional contacts to locate the needed methodology of the requested test.
• The incumbent verifies that all procedures have taken place correctly and new procedures are researched to obtain the most effective testing process.
• The incumbent makes decisions using independent judgment regarding the future action of the laboratory.
• The incumbent determines the schedule of laboratory personnel and the priority of current analyses according to the analysis requests.
• The incumbent arranges tasks for the department and plans future actions that will improve the efficiency and quality of operations.
• The incumbent receives general guidance. Long term objectives are established and agreed upon with the supervisor in accordance with corporate goals and objectives. Intermediate sequences are determined by the incumbent with approval from laboratory management. Results are reviewed regularly by laboratory management and status reports are provided to management as requested.
• The incumbent is responsible for the direction of activities in the laboratory, including quality control and analysis of client samples.
• The incumbent is accountable for the analysis and interpretation of data.

Benefits

Overview
Cumulative medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
A generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

Compensation Package

• Compensation Range: $85,000 - $90,000 annual salary USD
• Potential bonus: Up to 10% based on performance.

Why Join Us?

• To contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• To have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 50 years of experience and expertise.
• To be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• To be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• To grow in an international group of more than 8200 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.