Supervisor, Microbiology Lab (1st shift) - Sturgis, MI Plant

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Sturgis, MI location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Food Technology, or Technical with 2 years' experience in a laboratory in a regulated industry OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing support laboratory
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Experience using project planning tools
• Plant financial understanding
• Computer skills (MS Office)

Qualifications

• Green Belt / Lean Six Sigma tools
• Experience working with and implementing CIPs
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals

Skills

• Model a thorough understanding of what drives product costs, profitability and cash flow for the shift and within the department, while operating within budget, material utilization, and CIP goals
• Manage budget accountability for headcount, OT, and direct expenses for a shift and/or line
• Track, trend and continuously improve budgetary performance for headcount, OT, direct expenses, scrap, and CIPs
• Understand financial statements, key performance measures, and provide input for all line budgetary decisions
• Develop the skills necessary to manage financial budgetary line items involving headcount, OT, and scrap reduction
• Promote and drive CIPs; utilize common problem-solving tools and methodologies in processes and procedures within the shift/operating line/department for root cause analysis and resolution of issues
• Anticipate and drive proper alignment and prioritization between the lab and production teams
• Ensure team members are trained and understand duties, responsibilities, and performance relative to established expectations
• Provide timely coaching, counseling and feedback
• Develop all line personnel; secure appropriate training, provide mentoring and assign progressively challenging responsibilities within the scope of the team and department accountabilities
• Create a learning environment and support individuals learning and development plans
• Ensure delivery of effective performance management while establishing and sustaining a positive work environment
• Execute on-time performance reviews for direct reports
• Establish a communications framework that ensures timely and relevant transfer of information across all levels and functional areas of the organization
• Ensure compliance with all HR practices, policies and procedures
• Effectively use rewards and recognition programs
• Champion positive employee relations; maintain a high-profile presence on the floor, directly engage with employees, model regular and open communications, and encourage knowledge sharing and the open exchange of ideas
• Ensure lab test results reflect compliance to plant, division, and corporate guidelines and procedures
• Attend plant quarterly quality review meetings to communicate and oversee microbiological issues
• Track capital requests for laboratory equipment and facilities

Benefits

• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled
• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plan
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1
• Vacation – 120 hours of accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 3 personal days + 10 paid holidays
• Retroactive Retirement Plan
• Retiree Healthcare program
• Robust 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree