Laboratory Manager

Eurofins USA Food Testing•Tinley Park, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company providing a unique range of analytical testing services. The Laboratory Operations Manager receives authority from, and is accountable to, the Business Unit Manager or appointed designate for the successful completion of assigned duties and responsibilities. This role has the authority to take action necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities and to identify departures from the quality system or procedures. The manager acts as back up to the Business Unit/Quality Manager in their absence. The role involves leading a team, ensuring adherence to quality and efficiency standards, fostering morale, and assisting in managing daily operations of the microbiology laboratory. This includes scheduling, supervising, instructing, monitoring, and assisting in manual and instrumental analyses, ensuring compliance with government regulations and company requirements. The position promotes ethical business practices and requires understanding and adherence to Quality System documents like the Quality Manual, SOPs, and Test Methods. Responsibilities also include troubleshooting and coordinating repairs for equipment, establishing procedures for cleaning and calibration, maintaining equipment records, and ensuring regulatory procedures for sample testing are followed. The manager has the authority to execute a work stoppage in the event of a quality failure and reinstate work once resolved. Maintaining accurate records, reviewing test data for technical accuracy and compliance, evaluating statistical tests, investigating non-conformances, and implementing corrective actions are key duties. The role involves creating and reviewing reports, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, making hiring decisions for direct reports, and training staff on test methods, SOPs, regulations, and laboratory policies. Annual performance reviews of direct reports are required. Staying current on technical, industry, and business advancements is expected, along with maintaining a state of readiness and adhering to health, safety, and environmental regulations. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science or related field
At least 3+ years of supervisory experience
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship
Strong leadership, initiative, and teambuilding skills
Experience in laboratory procedures, data analysis, computer operations, mathematics and technical / business writing
Experience with PCR, ELISA, and cultural confirmation of known foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, and E coli O157H7
Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies

Responsibilities

Lead team, schedule, and train employees
Ensure adherence to highest quality and efficiency standards in laboratory operations
Ensure coverage and performance
Foster morale and teamwork
Demonstrates and promotes the company vision
Regular attendance and punctuality
Assist the Business Unit Manager in managing daily operations of the microbiology laboratory including scheduling, supervising, instructing, monitoring, and assisting in the performance of manual and instrumental analyses
Use appropriate quality measures, which meet or exceed the standards set by government regulations, and company requirements, when performing assigned tasks
Promote the company image through the exercising sound and ethical business practices as related to the public and our customers
Understand and follow Quality System documents relevant to responsibilities, e.g., Quality Manual, Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), and Test Methods
Troubleshoot equipment/instruments utilized and performs minor repairs. Coordinate major instrument repairs with repair person(s)
Establish and implement procedures to ensure that assigned equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated/standardized, and adequate for the testing performed and is maintained in good working order. This includes maintaining equipment operating instructions, manuals, and required logbooks.
Ensures all regulatory procedures pertaining to sample testing are followed correctly, if they are in normal course of work
Maintain a neat and accurate record system; keeps accurate records of work performed daily and as needed for quality control results
Assist laboratory staff in making sure that analytical work done under ISO meets requirements
Review and evaluate test data generated within assigned area of responsibility for technical accuracy, as well as SOP and test method compliance. Perform and provide basic evaluation of statistical tests to determine the quality accuracy of data and report values
Investigate to determine the cause of non-conformances that are identified, determine and implement corrective action; and follow-up to ensure that the corrective action resolved the problem
Create and review reports
Review applications, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions for the position reporting to this position
Train and document the training of assigned technical staff on test methods, formal SOPs, regulations, ISO requirements, and laboratory policies/procedures applicable to area of responsibility
Review annually the performance of personnel that report directly to this position
Remain current on technical, industry, and business advancements and trends as suggested by the Business Unit Manager
Maintain a perpetual state of readiness
Adhere to all pertinent company health, safety, and environmental regulations
Perform other duties as assigned