Technical Manager - GC

Eurofins USA Food Testing•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Technical Manager for the GC department provides scientific and technical guidance, supports quality and regulatory compliance, and oversees analytical methods, equipment, data review, staff training, and project work. The role maintains scientifically sound, approved protocols and controlled documentation, and ensures that department practices meet or exceed ISO/IEC 17025, government regulatory, and company requirements. The Technical Manager instructs and assists staff in manual and instrumental analysis, troubleshoots equipment and methods, reviews study protocols and reports, monitors quality control and proficiency testing, and investigates non-conformances and out-of-specification results. The role also reviews data for technical accuracy and SOP compliance, communicates with clients and internal teams, and helps improve testing services, procedures, equipment, and facility efficiency. The position assists the Department Leader with departmental goals, priorities, staffing and equipment needs, and operational planning. It also directs technical staff training, monitors turnaround times, participates in external technical committees and professional meetings, and remains current on relevant technical, industry, and business developments. Candidates currently living within commuting distance of Des Moines, Iowa, are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a major in an appropriate scientific field.
Five to seven years of applicable, progressively expanded laboratory experience, including design and review of projects and development and review of new testing protocols; the posting also specifies experience ranges by education: undergraduate degree with 7–10 years, master’s degree with 3–7 years, or PhD with 1–4 years.
Experience and knowledge of ISO 17025 standards.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Responsive, independent problem solver who is action-oriented.
Recognized expertise in the assigned scientific area.
Skill in scientific presentations and preparation of scientific publications.
Skill in data interpretation.
Demonstrated logical thinking, vision, and creativity, with the ability to work effectively with little structure or supervision.
Ability to meet the physical demands of standing, walking, using hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, performing some repetitive motion, occasionally reaching, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; close and distance vision are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is preferred.
Experience or coursework in laboratory procedures, data analysis, computer operations, mathematics, and technical or business writing.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and scientific guidance to the department on procedures, problems, analysis methods, and techniques; interface with the other Technical Manager and Department Leaders and supervise senior technical staff as needed.
Follow quality requirements and relevant quality system documents, including the Quality Manual, SOPs, and analysis methods, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, regulatory, and company requirements.
Follow and ensure staff follow applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations, and help maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Modify, develop, validate, write, and edit analysis methods; maintain approved protocols, standard methodologies, document control, and method validation records.
Instruct, monitor, troubleshoot, and assist with manual and instrumental analysis; operate equipment, perform minor repairs, coordinate major repairs, and ensure equipment is cleaned, calibrated, maintained, and documented.
Write and review study protocols and reports.
Lead and monitor research and other projects for quality, safety, and productivity improvement.
Monitor quality control charts and investigate data trends or failures.
Investigate out-of-specification results and non-conformances; evaluate and approve or reject prospective and in-progress exceptions, determine causes of retrospective issues, implement corrective action, and verify its effectiveness.
Review and evaluate test data for technical accuracy and SOP compliance, and perform basic statistical evaluations of data quality and reported values.
Communicate and discuss methods, results, and questions with client service personnel and clients, supporting accurate results and timely service.
Evaluate current services and recommend, develop, and implement new services, improved procedures, equipment, and facility layouts.
Maintain the department’s standing in relevant proficiency testing programs, such as AACC, AOCS, and AAFCO, and respond promptly to data-quality questions.
Direct and administer technical staff training on methods, SOPs, regulatory requirements, and laboratory policies; communicate regularly with personnel and correct and verify analytical technique when needed.
As needed, perform analyses, record sample test data and results, and enter results into eLIMS accurately and on time, manually or through automatic export.
Assist the Department Leader with short- and long-range operating goals, priorities, responsibilities, timelines, and plans for personnel, equipment, methods, and facilities.
Help monitor turnaround times, support accurate client quotations, and inform the BUMa or Director of Operations about deviations from expected performance, including unmet client expectations.
Communicate clearly with clients, management, and staff, and delegate responsibilities so employees understand their tasks and roles.
Participate in external technical committees and professional meetings, and give technical presentations with sales visits and at public forums.
Stay current on technical, industry, and business developments as directed by the Department Leader, Director of Operations, or BUMa.
Perform other duties as assigned.