Laboratory Manager
Job Purpose
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following activities:
Oversee all finished product and in-process testing across Microbiology, Milk Intake, and Chemistry laboratories at multiple manufacturing locations.
Ensure laboratory testing is carried out accurately, consistently, and within required timelines, with results communicated effectively to relevant stakeholders.
Manage laboratory staffing, including scheduling, rosters, payroll inputs, and leave planning, while maintaining high standards of daily laboratory performance.
Assess and maintain technician competency, ensuring all test methods and procedures are correctly followed.
Lead training, development, and succession planning for laboratory staff, maintaining documented training plans to ensure full test coverage and business continuity.
Manage laboratory data reporting, including review, monitoring, and trending of results to demonstrate compliance and proactively identify emerging issues.
Ensure laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and customer portals are kept accurate and up to date.
Conduct daily review of test results to optimise product release decisions and minimise unnecessary downgrades.
Develop, review, and update internal laboratory procedures in line with best practice and evolving business needs.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging analytical techniques and support the planning and implementation of laboratory investment where appropriate.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, workflow, and product flow.
Coordinate the receipt, handling, and dispatch of samples to ensure adherence to sampling schedules.
Track product downgrades and ensure issues are clearly communicated to relevant internal stakeholders.
Support the implementation and maintenance of a laboratory accreditation system to formally recognise laboratory competency.
Manage laboratory consumables within budget, ensuring purchasing and documentation are completed using site systems in a timely manner.
Facilitate regular laboratory team meetings to encourage communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Ensure all laboratory equipment is calibrated and proficiency testing is completed in accordance with defined schedules.
Maintain appropriate laboratory environmental conditions to ensure accurate analysis and safeguard employee health and safety.
Lead health and safety
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