About The Job
Danone Specialized Nutrition is launching a major greenfield investment to build our next‑generation liquid nutrition facility. The Quality Lead – Laboratory and Validation newly created position is responsible for establishing, qualifying and validating all laboratory, analytical and process‑related quality systems essential for successful new plant start‑up, ensuring full compliance with Danone Standards Q&FS, regulatory, and validation requirements prior to and after commercial production. Accountable for Laboratory and QMS readiness, commissioning, qualification and validation activities, ensuring the Laboratory reaches validated status and audit ready for ISO17025 and local DAFM authorities from day 1 commercial production.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Laboratory Set – Up & Readiness Lead the design, commissioning, and start up of Quality Control Laboratories
Provide regular updates on lab progress and validation status to the Project Director, Factory Director and Global QFS Director.
Ensure Lab Layouts are fully in compliance with Layout, zoning, workflow, QFS, GMP, and cross-contamination control requirements as per the ISO 17025 requirements and align with Danone Analytical Excellence requirements
Define and implement equipment URS – Qualification and Validation documentation for Laboratory instruments
Analytical Methods and Performance Implement QC Systems, reference materials, controls, and trend analysis/review
Quality Systems & Governance Embed Change Control, Deviation and Risk Management and Compliant and non-conformance handling – using best practices from existing Danone Plants.
Integrate and automate all data recording accurately within the Danone Systems Bambo and SAP Interfaces
Team & Capability Building Recruit, train and qualify laboratory teams for start up and steady state operation acting as coach and subject matter expert for lab and validation topics.
Build an efficient and lean Working Schedule for the Laboratory teams, with competency frameworks, training matrices, and method qualification in place before first commercial production
Build up specific and measurable KPIs to track performance of laboratories and product deviations SPC
Planning and coordinating the testing requirements and prioritising work in line with business needs
Liaising with the PLT (Plant Leadership Team) in the day-to‑day activities including the reporting of results in advance of daily operational meetings, Engineering & Project Teams, Danone Analytical Excellence team, External Danone Approve Laboratories and Regulatory Authorities/Certification bodies.
Leading the Laboratory team to optimise their personal development, skills, competency, performance and efficiency
Co-ordinate Laboratory proficiency schemes and carrying our periodic Performance Development Reviews
Co-ordinate the collection of samples and despatch of same to 3rd party labs
Plan and lead Laboratory infrastructure type projects as required
Responsible for Danone Internal Controls as assigned to you by the Internal Controller
Interface with HR in relation to employee relations issues
Update relevant HR systems for Laboratory team on a weekly basis
Contribute to the overall department performance plan in the areas of Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Motivation and Nature.
Drive correct usage, maintenance and development of all Laboratory systems
Functional Competencies
Professional manager and leader with the highest standards of integrity
Qualified in Chemistry, Microbiology (Sterility Testing Techniques), Food Science or related disciplines with experience in Manufacturing Industries such as food or pharmaceutical, aseptic liquids experience would be a distinct plus
Strong experience in Laboratory Start‑Ups, developing and implementing QMS, Validation (from URS to Qualification and method validation
Experience in building teams, coaching and driving performance
Audit experience, regulatory, certification, third party and/or internal inter company audits
Entrepreneur who seeks out continuous improvements
Excellent project manager who delivers the highest quality results within budget and on time
Strong work ethic required with evident enthusiasm for the role
A team player who can galvanise support for achieving key objectives
Capable of taking the lead in change and seeking out improvements
Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of employees
Mature and stable personality who can manage stressful and challenging environments
Strong support for high quality and hygiene standards
Logical and methodical approach to work practices and processes
Good reporting writing and numerical skills
Clear thinking individual who can resolve issues on their feet, decisive personality
The ability to communicate clear objectives and motivate staff to achieve more is the key to success for this role
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
3 years + experience in a Quality Management Environment/Laboratories/Validation role in the food/pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is required
Previous experience of leading the development of a laboratory is an advantage
Third level qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology or equivalent required
Strong knowledge of quality and food safety legislation and regulatory requirements
Proven track record in over achieving KPI’s and Operational Targets
LIMS/SAP experience highly desirable
Computer Skills essential, Microsoft Office etc.
Proficient numerical ability to record interpret and analyse key process data
Proven problem solving and troubleshooting skills
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