Quality Lab Manager

The Kraft Heinz • Champaign, IL

78d • $88,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Under the direction of the Site QA Manager/Associate Director - Manufacturing - Quality, the Quality Laboratory Manager is responsible for implementing, managing, monitoring and maintaining the plant's Microbiology & Analytical programs and corresponding equipment to ensure compliance to regulatory, federal, and local laws. The Quality Laboratory Manager will manage a team of microbiological technicians, lab analysts and analytical technicians to support a 24/7 operation that runs up to 365 days a year. This role will actively participate and support all internal and external auditing activities (FSSC/ISO, KHMS and HACCP).

Requirements

• Degree in a scientific field such as Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering preferred.
• Experience as a Quality/Microbiological Laboratory Manager and/or technical leadership role.
• Must be able to flex work hours and weekends as needed to support business needs.
• Strong leadership, technical, communication and organizational skills required along with attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of Analytical/Quality/Micro systems, procedures, and policies helpful.
• Knowledge of statistical processes.
• Detailed-oriented.
• Effective communication skills (oral written and verbal).
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Successful candidates must possess a positive focus toward solutions with emphasis on preventative proactive measures and team-building.

Responsibilities

• Directs, trains, mentors, and leads the site Quality Laboratory team to ensure program goals are met.
• Monitors and maintains the plant laboratory compliance to KHMS and International Audit (FSSC/ISO) standards.
• Leads the implementation and on-going compliance of the KHMS (Kraft Heinz Management System) associated with laboratory requirements.
• Responsible for the coordination, scheduling, and tasking of Microbiological and Analytical laboratory duties to hourly direct reports.
• Accountable for the Laboratory Safety, Health and Environmental systems and operational standards.
• Lead Quality and Production teams in handling any Microbiological and Analytical issues at the plant.
• Support all internal and external inspections/regulatory visits.
• Ensure all SOPs and Work Instructions are maintained and updated/approved as required.
• Ensure that all necessary supplies and consumable inventory and ordering are completed.
• Partner with 3rd party vendors and internal resources to ensure all equipment is maintained and calibrated.
• Coordinate Microbiological & Analytical support/resources for commercialization projects/trials.
• Manage the scheduling, collection, and communication of the Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) results.
• Direct the Microbiological & Analytical testing for finished product, raw material and in-process production.
• Responsible to ensure results are recorded in appropriate bookkeeping format and analyzing results.
• Compile, analyze, and disseminate data for periodic reports.
• Proficiency in utilizing plant and laboratory systems and databases.
• Must perform specific research and development trials for new product Methodology or techniques.
• Must be continually updating technical knowledge.
• Must perform any other duties assigned by management.

Benefits

• Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare.
• 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability.
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training.
• Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees