Lab Manager Microbiology

Matrix Sciences International Inc•Mount Prospect, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Matrix Sciences International Inc. provides a uniquely comprehensive scope of laboratory, advisory, research, agsciences and data management services that support our customers’ confidence in bringing safe, quality food to market. The Matrix Sciences Microbiology laboratory performs testing for pathogens, bacteria, yeast, molds and other organisms in a variety of food, products and packaging, as well as in support of our clients’ environmental monitoring programs. This work allows clients to identify potential contamination before it impacts their products and helps them feel confident that their products meet their quality standards and are safe for consumption in the market. The Laboratory Manager role will be responsible for daily operations within the routine Microbiology Laboratory, ensuring that approved systems are in place and functioning appropriately. Lead the operation by developing plans that ensure that we can keep the commitments made to our customers in a way that balances the needs of the customer, the employees and the company.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in related field and/or minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience
Demonstrated ability to work with a team.
Positive outlook with the ability to adapt to a changing environment.
Willing to work weekends and have flexibility for overtime.

Responsibilities

Develop, document, seek approval as needed, and execute on plans to ensure that the operation is able to manage sample volumes, customer commitments and technical requirements in a sustainable and scalable way.
Ensure that client results are analyzed and approved by qualified individuals within established turnaround times, ensuring that traceability and documentation requirements are unfailingly met.
Support result interpretation and, when appropriate, involve other experts in the interpretation and communication of results. As needed, review and authorize test results, supporting sample analysis troubleshooting and client specific requests.
Monitor financials for location, including but not limited to supply and service orders and labor expenses. Develop plans to meet targets and to adjust to changing circumstances. Participate in the budget process and execute on resulting plans.
Propose, plan, and implement measures to improve testing procedures and/or efficient use of equipment and labor. Engage staff in the change process and ensure their involvement in the Bright Ideas program by encouraging their ideas and supporting the qualification of their ideas.
Work closely with Client Services and Sales to successfully onboard clients. Evaluate customer needs and develop plans to deliver on agreed upon commitments. Ensure there is training and resourcing to support keeping promises made to customers
Communicate procedural and operational difficulties and delays to client service personnel and communicate any emerging client requirements to personnel as needed.
Ensure that all staff are trained in a way that supports the quality of work being produced and that all training is documented.
Develop staff by proving meaningful and constructive feedback on an ongoing basis and in the context of the performance review process. Ensure that policies with respect to performance reviews are strictly adhered to. Ensure that hire/fire/discipline practices are carried out in a fair, clear and compliant way. Ensure the proactive involvement of management and HR in all appropriate cases.
Ensure complete compliance with the quality system in all aspects of the operation. Perform timely, thorough and documented investigations of non-conformances, problems, customer complaints in a way that objectively identifies root causes. Work with appropriate recourses in these investigations and in the development of effective corrective actions. Ensure that all corrective actions are implemented in a traceable and sustainable way and that they are reviewed for effectiveness.
Seek support from within the organization for technical, quality, procedural and any other issues.
Ensure ongoing communication with your team with the goal of engaging them in the operation, informing them of changes, educating them and keeping them updated on important events. Ensure that communication on company issues is carried out according to direction and guidance.