Lab Manager

Job Description:
The Lab Manager plans, manages and supervises the activities of a company facility laboratory and performs standard organoleptic, physical, and chemical testing in an accurate and timely fashion using within GLP's/cGMP's guidelines.
Manager is responsible for ensuring customer expectations are met or exceeded in areas pertaining to the quality, testing, and timeliness of work. He or she ensures sample turnaround times and testing accuracy are met, closely monitors and guides lab analysts and technicians to prepare media and samples for analysis, perform physical stability, organoleptic, and analytical testing on a wide variety of raw material, premix samples follow company's standard operation procedures. Support facility production operation effectively. Support company overall quality and food safety compliance.
Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities, but not limited to the development and monitoring of following areas:

• Monitor receiving and recording of samples upon arrival into the laboratory.
• Lead lab staff performing sample preparation including weighing of samples, selection of glassware, and performance of necessary analysis.
• Inspection of instrumentation to be used. Troubleshooting of instrumentation and calibration when required.
• Lead and monitor lab staff perform quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses using the following laboratory equipment: HPLC, ICP/AA, FTIR, GC, titrator, pH, Bulk Densities, Colorimeter.
• Accurately document observations made during the performance of an analytical method to determine if the analytical system is in control.
• Responsible for analysis and recording/plotting of Quality Control samples and data.
• Maintain laboratory equipment including scheduling routine calibration and maintenance and arranging for service repairs as needed, order and maintain supplies of chemicals, reagents, solutions, and standards.
• Make and record scientific observations accurately, prepare and present scientific records and reports.
• Test new and improved laboratory methods and procedures.
• Prepares laboratory notes, charts and graphs and writes up results of examinations. Keep accurate daily records, documentation and record keeping.
• Conduct investigations and problem solving on testing issues.
• Provide instruction and training in theory, technical skills, safety protocols, and the application of laboratory test protocols to lab staff.
• Evaluate quality control and quality assurance statistics and modifies procedures and methods as needed.
• Develop and perform installation, operational, and performance qualification on new laboratory equipment in accordance with GLP's/cGMP's
• observe safety precautions and practices
• Participate in and may provide continuing education and professional development for laboratory personnel.
• Plan workload distribution and makes schedules.
• Supervise purchase of supplies and maintains equipment inventory. Develops a budget for the laboratory and maintains control of lab costs.
• Able to thrive in a fast paced environment. Ability to multi-task and prioritize actions and workload resulting in maintaining sample turnaround times is required.
• Able to make decisions and lead with minimal supervision/direction.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Communicate effectively with other functional areas in the facility.
• Responsible for overall GLP compliance
• Responsible for final review and reporting testing data and final COA approval.
• Support and coordinate inter-facility QC activities with other company facilities.

Minimum Training, Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in chemistry (analytical chemistry is ideal), microbiology, food science, biology or health science; or 3 to 5 year work related experience and/or training; 5 years of experience in a dietary supplement, food, or chemical related laboratory. Experience with USP, FCC, and AOAC testing methodologies. Experience with lab instrumentation such as HPLC, ICP, GC, FTIR, etc. Additional experience in microbiological and contaminant testing is a must.

• Considerable knowledge of the basic principles and laboratory applications of chemistry and microbiology.
• Knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, reagents.
• Understand GLP.
• Skillful in performing standardized chemical and microbiological examinations.
• Strong leadership.
• Strong time management skill.
• Customer service skills
• Knowledge of use of computers for laboratories.

Key Metrics:
The Manager is held accountable but not limited to the following metrics as they relate to the operational area assigned.

• Attendance
• Customer Complaints
• Resamples
• Reworks
• Maintaining required in house 3-day turnaround time on testing (In house only)
• Reduction in laboratory related testing errors.
• Perform other duties as required and directed.

Behavior Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Ability to present and interpret data for management and staff.
• Communication Skills - Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively; Assure spelling and grammar are correct; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Able to manage multiple projects and initiatives on tight deadlines and delegate accordingly.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events;
• Travel to other Wright Group facilities as needed

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

• May be required to work in other departments.
• Performs other duties as required and directed.
• The Company may, from time to time, change the nature of the employee's job responsibilities.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Laboratory environment
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Exposure to chemical odors may be encountered. Hoods and personal protection equipment are available for use.
• Handling of hazardous chemicals including caustics, acids and flammable hydrocarbons.
• Gloves, aprons, glasses and other P.P.E. are available and required when handling certain chemical.
• Overtime and weekend work may be required during peak workloads