Microbiology Lab Supervisor - Night Shift - Casa Grande, AZ (Open)
About The Position
The Microbiology Lab Supervisor oversees the Plant Microbiology QA Laboratories, including the Environmental Monitoring Program; 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 plant teams receive direction and technical expertise. The role provides leadership in resolving microbial issues and supports microbiological work across retort, powder, and aseptic manufacturing lines at Abbott Nutrition’s Casa Grande, Arizona plant. The position is responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the quality system, meeting budget and staffing requirements, and ensuring compliance with quality, regulatory, safety, and human-resources procedures. It develops and maintains a technically sound Environmental Monitoring program, supports plant microbiological certification related to new or modified facilities and processes, and works with division and corporate teams to complete projects. The supervisor coaches and develops employees, oversees recruitment and performance reviews, assigns work, and communicates microbiological issues at plant Management Review meetings. The role is based at the Casa Grande plant and works a night shift from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on a rotating schedule, with every other weekend off. Training takes place on day shift. Travel is not required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related area.
- Technical knowledge related to sterilization methods, microbial physiology, biochemical characterization of microbial isolates, disinfection and sanitization methods, and 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 the operation of the Plant Microbiology QA Laboratories and provide technical direction to laboratory personnel and the plant.
- Oversee the Environmental Monitoring Program, including equipment swabs, air samples, retort cooling water, ingredient water, and product samples.
- Oversee biochemical characterization and identification, and raw material, in-process, and finished product testing.
- Ensure methods and procedures are followed and CAPA activities are completed.
- Implement and maintain the effectiveness of the quality system.
- Manage budgetary and staffing requirements.
- Provide product and manufacturing microbial support for retort, powder, and aseptic lines.
- Interface with division personnel in developing microbiological guidelines and specifications.
- Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, safety, and human-resources procedures and policies for 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 projects and tasks.
- Develop and administer a technically sound Environmental Monitoring program, updating 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.
- Provide technical guidance and support to the plant.
- Ensure laboratory test results reflect compliance with plant, division, and corporate guidelines and procedures.
- Attend plant Management Review meetings to communicate and oversee microbiological issues.
- Meet compliance standards including FDA, OSHA, and Abbott policies and procedures.
Benefits
- 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, offering an affordable and convenient path to a bachelor’s degree.
- Career development opportunities with an international company.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
