QA Supervisor

Tate & Lyle is a global provider of ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage, and other industries, operating from more than 30 locations around the world. Through large-scale, efficient manufacturing plants, Tate & Lyle turns raw materials into distinctive, high-quality ingredients that add taste, texture, nutrition, and increased functionality to products used or consumed by millions daily.

About the role

Under the general direction of the Quality Manager, the Lab Supervisor is responsible for managing different testing areas of the Quality Control Laboratory. This position directs the activities of technicians, plans and executes technical programs, and initiates new projects. The role requires conducting independent studies and providing leadership, development, and technical direction to technical personnel in the quality control area.

Safety Accountabilities

Protecting our people and the environment is foundational to our business. As an EHSQ Critical Role Level 2, the Lab Supervisor is expected to support the Tate & Lyle culture by complying with all EHSQ policies, procedures, and regulations relevant to their work. Team members must speak up and intervene to prevent unsafe conditions and respect fellow workers.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily laboratory operations, output, and accuracy of approximately 12 direct reports working in three separate laboratories: Physical testing, Analytical chemistry testing, and Beverage functional testing for a 24/7/365 fermentation-derived biogum hydrocolloid manufacturing plant.
• Conduct lot batch review and release.
• Identify and implement process improvements to achieve higher throughput, improved efficiencies, recognizable cost savings, and more consistent product quality.
• Exhibit creativity in selecting and modifying methods, coupled with a thorough understanding of science and broad knowledge of other disciplines to improve processes.
• Interpret information from various sources and recommend courses of action to address problem areas.
• Monitor, track, and interpret trends in quality data, providing recommendations for continuous process and product quality improvement.
• Manage laboratory practices, processes, and quality/food safety management systems in accordance with ISO 9001, IPEC (pharmaceutical excipient), and applicable GFSI standard requirements, as well as customer expectations.
• Monitor controllable expenses such as overtime and laboratory supply expenditures, seeking cost-reduction opportunities.
• Manage laboratory testing schedules and provide leadership and technical direction to laboratory personnel.
• Direct and conduct the execution of a prescribed program for the periodic calibration and standardization of instruments and solutions.
• Review test methods and procedures periodically.
• Participate in special assignments such as new method and technique development, cost studies, and providing expertise to other plant teams for troubleshooting quality problems.
• Assign specific portions of problems to various staff members as needed.
• Ensure Safety and Environmental compliance and maintain Quality Management system requirements, including GMPs.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements to improve testing efficiency and troubleshooting skills.

Food Safety, Environment, Health & Safety Duties

• Carry out responsibilities and duties according to food safety, legal, and quality requirements to ensure products are fit for human consumption.
• Comply with all environmental standards, procedures, and work instructions; report any environmental violations or near misses.
• Adhere to safety policies, procedures, and site rules; fully participate in the safety program, including reporting incidents or near misses and auditing.

Requirements

• Associate Degree required; Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or Microbiology strongly preferred.
• Five plus years of lab experience required; laboratory supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of GLPs (pharmaceutical & food), SAP, LIMS, or similar software systems, and quality systems, along with good computer skills.
• Working knowledge of safety and environmental issues.
• Previous experience leading teams is a plus.
• Excellent organizational and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).