Laboratory Manager

Job Purpose:

To co-ordinate and oversee all laboratory operations and ensure the department operates smoothly, efficiently and in accordance with the Laboratory Quality Policy. The Laboratory Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining the Laboratory Quality Management System and for driving continuous improvement within the department. 

Responsibilities:

•    Responsible for the day to day running / management of laboratory activities.
•    Responsible for Health and Safety within the laboratory. Participate in the site H&S activities for group.
•    Implement and maintain the Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) and ensure it is always followed.
•    Immediately report any serious deviation from LQMS / FSQM policies and procedures or any breach in Food Safety to Senior Management.
•    Responsible for the review, update and writing of laboratory policies, procedures and associated documentation.
•    Responsible for the planning & co-ordination of analysis and resource allocation within the laboratory.
•    Responsible for the investigation of non-conformances within the laboratory, including the implementation and monitoring the effectiveness of corrective actions.
•    Responsible for the planning and execution of the Laboratory Internal Audit Schedule.
•    Co-ordination of laboratory proficiency testing and inter-laboratory ring tests and monitor laboratory QC.
•    Laboratory supplier assessment and approval.
•    Agree and set equipment and laboratory supply specifications.
•    Responsible for subcontractor selection and review.
•    Responsible for equipment maintenance through the establishment of service contracts, planned maintenance, external calibration and minimize analysis down time through timely repair.
•    Responsible for laboratory waste chemical disposal and housekeeping.
•    Jointly responsible with the Technical Manager for managing laboratory budgets, procurement and cost control.  
•    Chair and co-ordinate Laboratory Meetings and Laboratory Management Review Meetings.
•    Jointly responsible with the Technical Manager with respect to the formulating goals and setting of targets for the training and development of laboratory staff.
•    Attend contract review and food safety and quality management meetings.
•    Participate in product recall challenges and act on the traceability team.
•    Participate in the Europe Food Safety and Laboratory expert team.
•    Responsible for SAP workflows and data relating to activities performed by the laboratory [SME].
•    Monitor the analytical quality of raw materials.
•    Form part of the Site Support Team [SST].
•    Deputise the Technical Manager in their absence.

Qualifications/Experience:

•    Degree level qualification in Chemistry / Food Science with 5 or more year’s hands on experience within an analytical laboratory.
•    Good knowledge and understanding of ISO 17025 (Laboratory certification) and LIMS/SAP.
•    Previous line management experience and the ability to lead a team. 
•    Knowledge and experience of Health and Safety and risk assessments in a laboratory setting. 

Working Hours: Monday - Friday 40 hrs per week and out of hours contact.