Lab Supervisor in Milbank, South Dakota at Valley Queen

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary
This position is responsible for leading and directing the laboratory staff in maintaining a functional laboratory environment capable of verifying the quality and safety of Valley Queen products and environments through microbiological, analytical and sensory evaluation. Understands industry best practices and ensures compliance to support the achievement of the company’s vision, mission and values.

Essential Functions

• Provide results using microbiological, analytical and sensory evaluation protocol on products and samples collected from finished product, in-process samples and the plant environment.
• Develop, implement and maintain practices and procedures required to meet ISO 17025 and A2LA laboratory accreditation requirements and Grade A certified laboratory status.
• Maintain laboratory equipment performance by establishing quality standards, developing operations, quality and troubleshooting procedures, ensuring staff compliance, certifying instrument performance, researching and recommending new technology and arranging existing equipment replacement, service and repair.
• Oversee laboratory productivity by monitoring workload of functional areas, identifying peak and down time and making the necessary operational or staffing adjustments.
• Ensure proper and adequate staffing to meet department needs.
• Maintain laboratory information system by identifying information needs and problems, recommending improvements, establishing priorities, testing, writing user manuals, training employees and maintaining confidentiality.
• Implement new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation and procedures to meet all customer and regulatory requirements by investigating alternatives, preparing proposals, developing and performing parallel testing and monitoring progress.
• Participate in the verification and validation of plantwide quality assurance programs.
• Participate in the routine verification of FSFQ practices and procedures within the production facility.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, networking and participating in appropriate professional societies.

Competencies

Supervisory Responsibility
This position is responsible for the performance management and hiring of employees within the laboratory.

Work Environment
This position spends approximately 60 percent of the time in an office environment with 30 percent spent in a laboratory environment and 10 percent in a factory environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level is significant when working in the factory environment.

Physical Demands
Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time position. Typical hours of work are approximately 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. This position is part an on-call and weekend coverage rotation.

Travel
Less than 15 percent travel expected for this position.

Required Education, Experience & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, chemistry or a laboratory field of study with a minimum of five years of experience working in an accredited laboratory. Proficiency in basic computer skills.

Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications

Master’s degree in microbiology or chemistry is preferred. Desire two to five years of previous supervisory experience. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
None.