Laboratory Managerv

Scope: the scope shall cover all analyses conducted in the plant laboratory and away from the plant laboratory (subcontracted analyses, milk reception, raws & packs, process & filling lines, CIP and Utilities).

Production (Processing & Packaging)

Maintenance

Utilities

Supplier Quality

R&P Stores

Research and Development

Projects

Suppliers & Service providers

Finished Goods Warehouse

Supply Chain

Finance

11. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

·         Deliver quality laboratory services to the factory (Milk Reception, Production, Processing, Supplier Quality & Utilities) and Research & Development departments.

·         Ensure that the correct analysis (method and sampling plans) are performed to the product, incoming raw materials and packaging materials, utilities to guarantee product and process safety and conformity, this includes subcontracted analyses

·         Ensures Food Safety & Conformity of all products delivered to the market, consistently with the overall SQCDME Plant Performance

·         Defines the sampling plans of all incoming raws, packs, utilities, intermediate and finished products

·         Provides methodology, procedures & results to validate the plant processes

·         Ensure that all analyses results are properly captured, documented and reported, in the appropriate formats and within required timings.

·         Provides other Quality team members and Production teams with relevant QC data and trends to drive quality in the CBU

·         Cooperates with the Quality Assurance side to ensure the right balance between QC and QA

·         Builds a QC system based on Good Laboratory Practices. Monitor and manage adherence to quality standards, protocols, procedures, policies, practices and housekeeping standards (FSSC 22 000, GLP, ISO 17025, ISO 9001, GMP and HACCP) within the laboratory context.

·         Optimise the Laboratory in its four dimensions: efficiency (speed), analytical performance, expertise/skills (training) and cost

·         Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of all analytical equipment, both inside and outside the laboratory  to support credibility of results

·         Be part of the HACCP team

·         Participate in both internal audit program as well as in external audits

·         Provides technical support and expertise in quality related problem solving and to risk analysis groups

·         Manage laboratory expenses & budget and deliver savings as and when needed.

·         Manage and monitor adherence to finance related policies, procedures and controls

·         Continuously identify cost efficient ways of delivering world class service, identify cost saving initiatives and recommend improvements

·         Manage laboratory team performance, competencies, morale, communication, pipeline, learning and development, etc.)

·         Identify Lab team competencies and close skills gaps within the Lab team

·         Provide coaching and performance feedback to the team

·         Develops the Laboratory team and creates strong and healthy talent pipeline

·         Drive two way communication

·         Ensure proper shift handover

·         Motivate, engage, inspire team members: encourage team members to strive for excellence in all that they do (act as a role model in this regard)

·         Be the custodian of the company values and CODE for the Laboratory team

·         Manage adherence to company policies and procedures as well as the company disciplinary code

·         Take responsibility for your own learning and development (subject to budgetary constraints) and performance

·         Participate in relevant team and factory meetings

·         Ensure adherence to environmental policies, procedures and standards

·         Monitor and manage adherence to waste management practices and standards

·         Drive and implement the departmental safety agenda, audits & action plans

·         Identify, and report safety hazards

·         Execute safety incident/accident investigations as required

·         Participate in safety dialogues as per guidelines

·         Ensure adherence of team to safety policies, procedures and process

·         Ensure all product conforms with specifications in order to limit consumer complaints

·         Laboratory performance and efficiency (analytical quality, speed, expertise & cost)

·         Optimisation of quality control (Laboratory) costs

13. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED (Technical & Behavioral)

·         Excellent problem solving skills

·         Solid technical quality related knowledge/competence

·         Strong knowledge of Quality & Food safety management and laboratory management systems

·         People & team management and leadership skills

·         Working knowledge of food safety legislation

·         Analysis & risk management skills

·         MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

·         Good verbal and writing communication skills and ability to communicate and coach at all levels

·         Rigor and courage: ability to resist to Production pressure in case of quality problems

·         Excellent service orientation

·         Market, customer & consumer understanding

·         Attention to detail

·         Committed to deadlines and quick turnaround times

·         Ability to work independently or as part of a team, excellent interpersonal skills

·         Results driven, self-motivated, pro-active and inquisitive

·         Taking accountability for tasks through to completion

5 years leadership experience (having delivered tangible results)

Strong computer skills

(or equivalent)

Certified training in appropriate Good Laboratory Practices (GLP):

i.e. ISO 17025 or equivalent