Microbiology Lab Supervisor- Casa Grande, AZ
About The Position
The Microbiology Lab Supervisor oversees the Plant Microbiology QA Laboratories at Abbott Nutrition’s Casa Grande, Arizona manufacturing location. The laboratories support environmental monitoring, biochemical characterization and identification, and raw-material, in-process, and finished-product testing. The supervisor ensures methods and procedures are followed, CAPA activities are completed, and laboratory personnel and the plant receive technical direction and support. The role also leads problem-solving efforts related to microbial issues and provides microbial support for retort, powder, and aseptic production lines. The position implements and maintains the effectiveness of the quality system, manages staffing and budget needs, and develops and administers the Environmental Monitoring program. It oversees microbiological certification for new or modified facilities and processes, assures testing complies with applicable guidelines and procedures, and works with division and corporate partners to complete projects and develop microbiological specifications. The supervisor coaches and develops employees, manages hiring and performance processes, assigns work, and ensures compliance with quality, regulatory, safety, and human-resources requirements, including FDA, OSHA, and Abbott standards. This is a night-shift position, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on a rotating schedule, with every other weekend off. Training will take place on day shift.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related area.
- Technical knowledge of sterilization methods, microbial physiology, biochemical characterization of microbial isolates, and disinfection and sanitization methods.
- Strong understanding of aseptic handling procedures.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Food Science or Microbiology.
- Two years of experience in microbiology testing methods and techniques, plus two years of supervisory experience.
Responsibilities
- Supervise operations of the Plant Microbiology QA Laboratories and provide technical direction to laboratory personnel and the plant.
- Implement and maintain the effectiveness of the quality system.
- Manage laboratory budgetary and staffing requirements.
- Provide product and manufacturing microbial support for retort, powder, and aseptic lines.
- Interface with division personnel to develop microbiological guidelines and specifications.
- Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, safety, and human-resources procedures and policies across reporting departments.
- Coach, develop, and mentor employees; oversee recruitment, selection, development, and retention; conduct performance reviews; develop growth plans; support employee policies and programs; and assign work to direct staff.
- Develop and administer a technically sound Environmental Monitoring program and update it as appropriate.
- Lead problem-solving efforts related to microbial issues.
- Direct plant-initiated microbiological certification activities resulting from new or modified manufacturing facilities or processes.
- Coordinate with Division and Corporate QA, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and Purchasing to complete project activities on time.
- Ensure lab test results comply with plant, division, and corporate guidelines and procedures, and ensure test methods are followed.
- Attend plant Management Review meetings to communicate and oversee microbiological issues.
- Meet compliance standards, including FDA, OSHA, and Abbott policies and procedures.
Benefits
- Career development opportunities with an international company.
- Employees may qualify for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
- Retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
- FreeU education benefit, providing an affordable and convenient path to a bachelor’s degree.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
