Laboratory Manager

Peace River Citrus Products, Inc.•Bartow, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The position ensures that product, packaging and process norms comply with quality and food safety standards for the company’s beverage base blending/packaging facility located in Bartow, FL. Reporting to the Quality & Food Safety Manager, this supervisory role includes assisting the Department Manager and QC Department team in meeting departmental expectations; such as supervising personnel, assisting during audits, overseeing work flows in the lab, instrumentation performance and supporting Plant goals. This position is a back-up for the PCQI, all Lab Leads, Lab Scientist and Quality Control Specialists.

Requirements

Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering or similar biological sciences.
5 years related experience (food/beverage manufacturing) or equivalent.
Thorough understanding of Juice HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs and government/industry food safety and quality regulations, codes, and standards.
Thorough understanding and work experience with Organic, USDA-QAP, and GFSI programs.
Demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating coworkers and others in line positions.
Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.
Comfortable and capable seeing the big picture; able to think conceptually and strategically, yet deliver measurable results as a “hands-on” contributor.
Commitment to excellence and high standards.
Excellent written/verbal communication and presentation skills.
Basic competence in duties and tasks of supervised employees.
Ability to work with all levels of management.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
Ability to work in hot and cold environments, including freezers and high altitude platforms.
Proficiency in MS Excel, Power Point, Access, Word applications, SAP®, Google® sheets and IQS Infinity.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual a plus.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, technical support and oversight to the Lab Leads, Lab Scientist, PCQIs, and quality control specialists.
Knows and understands lab instrumentation, lab functions, and techniques to identify issues and trouble shoot events & problems to the completion of work assignments.
Become familiar with, and adhere to, requirements as documented in SOPs for Good Manufacturing Practices and the Food Safety & Quality Plan
Prepares and reviews Protocols, Reports, Development report, Change controls as well as quality control Specifications & test methods.
Supervises laboratory functions and employee’s performance through training, development, coaching, evaluations and Plan execution, including consumable expenses.
Supports formulation activities and associated personnel and performance (training, development, and Plan execution).
Develops teamwork and communication skills through active listening and honest dialog with peers and supervisors.
Communicates effectively with internal team personnel, as well as external teams.
Oversees timesheet approvals and schedules.
Verifies and validates product quality, food safety, water treatment, EMP and sanitation programs operate effectively per procedures, and utilizes analytical data to evaluate patterns and trends.
Collaborate closely with Quality Systems team and oversees processes that deliver compliance towards GFSI certification (currently FSSC 22000 and ISO9001).
Ensures products and protocols satisfy requirements of certification programs (Kosher, Organic, USAD-QAP), customer validations, sensory program, as well as, Customers ‘ annual sampling programs.
Monitors QC Lead activities. Fills in for Lead, Scientist, and QA Specialist unavailable.
Comply with FDA, USDA, Florida Department of Agriculture, and GMP policies. Perform all tasks in a safe manner to ensure achievement of Quality, Food Safety, and Cost objectives. Comply with all standard operating procedures and requirements under PRCP Quality System.
Participate in the quality improvement process, and product commercialization.
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.