Job Description

General Purpose:

Manage and lead laboratory supervisor(s) and technicians and daily operations, ensuring regulatory requirements, compliance, and specifications defined by the company, customers, and regulatory agencies are followed. Provide leadership to drive positive change through influence and example. Serve as point person for quality assurance and quality control and provide oversight and/or review of quality control data. Maintain relationships with other dairy laboratories to facilitate sharing of best practices.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare, conduct, and report audits of laboratories (analytical and pathogen) to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, company guidelines, industry standards, customer standards, and hygiene
• Notify manager of deficiencies in the quality system, recommend corrective action, and monitor implementation
• Maintain quality control documentation (charts, graphs and SOP’s training) as required by the company, customers, and regulatory agencies; oversee EPA water reporting
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with regulatory officials to ensure compliance with potential changes to regulatory requirements and other technical issues
• Ensure staff maintains certifications and performs analysis in areas assigned
• Ensure that all analyses are conducted in accordance with approved methods and procedures and that all data generated meets the highest standards for timeliness, accuracy and precision
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to field service managers and representatives, producers and others on test interpretation, testing strategies, and milk quality issues
• Provide management and field staff with periodic (weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually) summaries of milk quality test results for MEA producers
• Ensure assigned personnel are aware of the presence of potentially hazardous material in the analytical labs and advise them of proper protection procedures in the event of an accident
• Stay current on advances in analytical methods and potential demand for our analytical services. Make recommendations regarding introduction of new technology and services in the quality and water labs
• Identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for laboratory operations. Establish a system to measure those KPIs. Communicate performance against those KPIs to management and the lab staff on a continuous basis
• Monitor turn-around times and perform technical and administrative quality control checks on outgoing data to ensure accuracy
• Comply with laboratory hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal plan
• Ensure that all testing equipment and laboratory facilities are properly maintained to prevent unscheduled downtime and disruption of service. Oversee service contracts, secure scheduling, and ensure maintenance is complete
• Monitor stock and order laboratory testing supplies on an as-needed basis
• Ensure data is moving according to requested protocols by customers, overseeing monthly close operations
• Maintain all lab SDS, SOP’s, and quality control and safety manuals. Ensure all employees are familiar with the requirements of these publications
• Conduct regular technical and interpersonal skills training for the laboratory staff to increase their overall skill level, ensure an adequate level of cross-training, increase knowledge of DFA and the dairy industry, and enhance job satisfaction
• Perform management activities such as delegating and monitoring work assignments; administering employee promotions and transfers; coaching and mentoring staff; interviewing and hiring staff; etc.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, chemistry, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 5 to 8 years of quality assurance, laboratory, or related experience coupled with demonstrated leadership attributes, team leadership, or supervisory experience; 1+ year of management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License – Current, valid, regulatory certifications to perform all required analyses in the assigned labs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge of all aspects of laboratory management/operations, analytical testing procedures, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Skill in leadership and coaching
• Able to organize and prioritize resources to achieve goals
• Able to multi-task; able to keep organized records; able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and external audiences
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to complex problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans