Laboratory Manager
Company and Location: Arra Tipp – Nenagh/Tipperary, County Tipperary, Ireland
Job Purpose: To manage and coordinate laboratory activities and ensure all finished products are released against specification.
Reporting To: Group Technical Manager
Responsibilities:
Manage all finished product & in-process testing for Microbiology, Milk Intake and Chemistry laboratories across business manufacturing sites (Nenagh & Tipperary).
Manage technician competency to ensure test methods, procedures and results are accurate and reported in a timely manner to all relevant stakeholders.
Manage the laboratory team staffing, work rosters, payroll system & holidays.
Ensure the quality of daily work is maintained to a high standard at all times and work is suitably allocated to all technicians.
Manage team training and development.
Document Training plans for staff so all tests are adequately covered to ensure business continuity and testing roles are rotated to maximise testing capability.
Management of results reporting.
Monitoring and trending of test data to demonstrate compliance and to identify issues as they arise.
Ensure all products are updated in LIMS and customer portals in a timely and efficient manner.
Daily test result review to identify cut‑off testing to maximise product release/minimise downgrades.
Developing and changing of in‑house lab procedures as appropriate.
Developing expertise and understanding of current and future analytical techniques, assist in the planning and implementation of investment.
Plan and develop strategies to achieve better efficiency and flow of product.
Management of the receipt and dispatch of samples to achieve sampling schedules.
Ensure timely and efficient release of product.
Track downgrades to ensure all issues are communicated to the relevant stakeholders.
Implement a Laboratory Accreditation system for formal recognition of laboratory competency.
Maintain consumables stocks within budget and ensure the team utilises site systems for purchasing and processing all relevant paperwork in a timely fashion.
Facilitate team meetings with the entire laboratory team to foster effective teamwork.
Ensure laboratory instrument calibrations & proficiency testing are carried out on schedule.
Maintain satisfactory environmental conditions suitable for the accurate and reliable analysis of samples, while protecting the health and safety of all lab employees.
Manage health & safety in the lab, carrying out risk assessments and identifying areas for improvement.
Lead projects and attend industry workshops where relevant to business needs.
Key Experience, Competencies and Qualifications:
Degree in Microbiology / Science / Food Science / Chemistry and/or related disciplines.
5+ years of people‑management experience with strong quality management in the dairy industry, cheese industry, infant formula or wider food industries.
Must have significant laboratory expertise and/or experience in a similar role within the food manufacturing industry.
Organised with attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate technical information effectively.
Personal effectiveness in coordination, planning and organising work and projects.
Ability to multi‑task.
Managing through systems.
Good prioritisation capability and comfortable adapting to meet production needs.
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