Reporting to the Vice President, Technical, the Production Lab Manager will be responsible for overseeing the start-up and operations of a newly established industrial microbiology and analytical lab. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in decision-making processes related to equipment selection, installation and validation, workflow design and optimization, while ensuring that all products meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial attitude and an initiative-taking work ethic. The individual will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient functioning of the lab, adherence to industry and regulatory standards, and the timely delivery of high-quality results to support Production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and aseptic techniques in the laboratory. Maintain a safe working environment for all lab personnel.
- Conduct sample preparation and product testing as required to support Production OSCOT.
- Supervise and mentor lab staff, providing guidance and support in their day-to-day activities. Facilitate training programs for lab personnel on equipment usage and aseptic techniques. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment among team members.
- Evaluate, select, procure, install, and validate relevant lab equipment.
- Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
- Develop and implement efficient and compliant analytical and microbiological testing processes, protocols, and validations.
- Streamline workflows to maximize efficiency and productivity and minimize turnaround times while continuously assessing laboratory procedures for accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
- Assist in achieving ISO 17025 accreditation and continuously monitor industry standards and regulations to ensure compliance.
- Manage the Production laboratory budget and resources.
- Analyze experimental data and results, preparing comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders. Interpret analytical and microbiological findings, providing insights and recommendations based on the results.
- Consult as needed with other departments, such as Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service and/or Product Safety.
Required Skills and Experience:
- PhD preferred, bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related field with appropriate experience accepted
- Have a proven track record with outstanding leadership skills and professionalism
- 5+ years of experience in a microbiology laboratory that conducts traditional microbiological testing, preferably in the consumer goods, food and beverage, or pharmaceutical industry
- In-depth knowledge of and experience using aseptic techniques in a traditional microbiological laboratory (e.g., culture media preparation, plating/inoculation, incubation, enumeration, and identification.)
- Familiarity with Biosafety levels, including demonstrating proficiency in standard microbiological practices and techniques for working with agents requiring BSL-2 containment.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering a positive work environment.
- Experience with or willingness to learn how to operate analytical equipment such as HPLC, GC-FID, ICP-OES, and FT-IR.
- Familiarity with regulatory and quality requirements for laboratories in the OTC and personal care fields.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
- Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and/or ERP software systems as well as all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task