Posted 4277 days ago
Food Safety Net Services is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor for its Plainwell, Mich., operation.
Description
JOB SUMMARY
The function of this position is to supervise laboratory operations performing testing of food products and environmental samples. This position is responsible for application and evaluation of approved techniques and methodologies used in analysis of food products. The Laboratory Supervisor will have frequent contact with the client base as well as review, reporting and interpretation of laboratory results in collaboration with the management team. The Laboratory Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing of daily workload and staffing placement in the Laboratory area while working closely with the Laboratory Manager and Assistant Laboratory Manager.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supervise laboratory operations to maintain quality and efficiency as they apply to the laboratory area
• Accurately perform and interpret test results, notifying the Laboratory Manager of deviations
• Supervise training of new and current laboratory personnel in laboratory procedures and protocols as authorized
• Provided feedback for and participate in laboratory personnel reviews
• Report concerns of equipment failures and non-compliance of supplies and reagents
• Supervise quality control procedures and documentation to support compliance with ISO 17025 guidelines
• Participate as an interface for the laboratory client base related to communication of results generated in the pathogen laboratory
• Assist in the communication of all log entries
• Assist in inventory maintenance
• Perform internal audits of processes as directed
• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends
• Supervise non-routine projects as assigned
• Independently pursue working knowledge of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with the Food Safety Net Services Methods Manual, Quality Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safety Manual, and approved laboratory procedures
• Travel is required and at the discretion of management
SPECIFIC DUTIES and AUTHORIZATIONS
• Supervise all activities, including quality control records, forms, files, pathogen log, etc.
• Communicate directly with clients on laboratory results
• Ensure that the appropriate number of technicians are allocated are in the respective areas of the Laboratory; this will include shifting people when necessary
• Submit staffing schedules to the Assistant Laboratory Manager and Laboratory Manager
• Oversee the scheduling of lunch breaks to ensure there is no down time in the laboratory
• Oversee status of all results and reporting for clients as needed (including notification of out of specification results)
• Work closely with the Technical Supervisor in the constant maintenance of proper methodology in all areas of laboratory testing
• Directly involved in the training of laboratory personnel and maintenance of training records
• Alert Assistant Laboratory Manager of need for repair services for malfunctioning equipment
• Ensure that all required lab control samples are prepared as required by procedures by assigning staff as necessary
• Maintain visibility in all areas in order to be available to intervene where efficiency may be lacking
• Directly address client needs as required and in collaboration with the Assistant Laboratory Manager and Laboratory Manager as required
OTHER DUTIES
• Perform other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervises employees. Carries out all responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, standard operating procedures and best practices. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times. Responsibilities includes training and mentoring employees; evaluate performance of assigned personnel, monitor performance action plans for employees, may interview applicants, improve operational efficiencies by focusing on customer service and maximizing production and profit; will direct work flow; maintain harmony in the workplace and professional business demeanor at all times.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• BS degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related field or;
• Graduate degree in Microbiology
• Two years minimum experience in an analytical testing laboratory required
• Three or more years experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred
• Working knowledge of aseptic sampling technique, automated lab equipment, and acceptable methods and procedures
• Familiarity with GMP , OSHA guidelines, FDA, BAM, APHA, and Compendium methods and procedure
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Designs work flows and procedures
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Manages project team activities
• Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed
• Visionary Leadership - Inspires respect and trust; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates
• Change Management - Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Gives appropriate recognition to others
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Makes self available to staff; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products, and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Aligns work with strategic goals
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Contributes to profits and revenue ; Conserves organizational resources
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Makes timely decisions
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles
• Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments
• Quality - Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality
• Quantity - Strives to increase productivity
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions
• Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Attendance/Punctuality - Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals
• Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Generates suggestions for improving work
Language Skills
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
Mathematical Skills
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
Reasoning Ability
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Computer Skills
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of LIMS and Microsoft Office Products software
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, use hands and arms, talk and hear
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Color vision and depth perception
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks
SAFETY
• Required to wear appropriate protective clothing
• Required to use appropriate protective equipment
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area