Job Title: QC Microbiology Supervisor Department: Quality Control Reports to: QC Manager Full list of benefits included below Job Description: The QC Microbiology Supervisor is responsible for the supervision, technical leadership, and compliance oversight of the Quality Control Microbiology laboratory. The role ensures microbiological testing is performed accurately, consistently, and in compliance with GMP, ISO 17025, ISO 22716, and regulatory expectations. In addition to routine laboratory oversight, this role holds explicit responsibility for microbiological method validation and verification oversight, staff development, and cross-functional collaboration. Job Responsibility: Technical, Validation & Operational Ensure quality and compliance in all microbiological testing activities in accordance with GMP, ISO 17025, ISO 22716, and applicable regulatory requirements. Maintain GMP, GLP, and GDP standards across all microbiology laboratory operations. Oversee and, where required, perform microbiological testing including, but not limited to, TAMC, TYMC, pathogen testing, water testing, environmental monitoring, and preservative effectiveness testing (where applicable). Oversee microbiological method development, validation, verification, and transfer activities, ensuring studies are appropriately designed, executed, reviewed, and approved. Collaborate closely with the QC Validation Supervisor on validation strategy, protocols, reports, and lifecycle management of microbiological methods. Review, approve, and trend microbiology results, raw data, and laboratory notebooks prior to data release. Support and approve laboratory-related investigations including OOS, OOT, deviations, non-conformances, and CAPA. Perform and/or oversee routine qualification, calibration, standardization, and maintenance of microbiology laboratory equipment. Monitor microbiology laboratory inventory including media, reagents, consumables, and equipment; initiate purchase requests and liaise with vendors as required. Ensure safe laboratory operations, contamination control, and compliance with laboratory safety and biosafety requirements. Documentation & Continuous Improvement Author, review, and approve microbiology Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and controlled forms. Ensure microbiology documentation is current, accurate, compliant, and clearly defines processes and responsibilities. Actively drive continuous improvement initiatives within the microbiology laboratory to improve efficiency, robustness, compliance, and Right First Time (RFT) performance. Identify process, method, or system improvement opportunities and lead or support implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Promote a strong data integrity, quality, and continuous improvement culture. People Management & Leadership Provide direct supervision, mentoring, and technical coaching to QC Microbiology analysts. Organize daily work allocation, shift planning, and holiday coverage to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations. Conduct probation reviews, performance evaluations, and ongoing development discussions for team members. Identify training needs and ensure analysts are trained, competent, and authorized to perform assigned microbiological methods. Lead and support laboratory safety, aseptic technique, and quality training activities. Establish expectations and foster a supportive environment to enable staff to meet performance and compliance requirements. Collaboration Collaborate with the QC Chemistry Supervisor and QC Validation Supervisor to: Coordinate training programs and cross-training activities Support routine testing during peak workload periods or resource constraints Align quality standards, expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives across QC laboratories Work closely with QA, Production, Engineering, and other site functions to support investigations, audits, and inspection readiness. Job Qualifications: Education and Experience: Minimum bachelors degree in microbiology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline; masters degree desirable. 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in a Quality Control laboratory environment. Demonstrated experience working within EU GMP, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 22716, and controlled documentation and electronic quality systems (e.g. LIMS, QMS). Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (cosmetics, food, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, or equivalent). Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong knowledge of FDA, EU, and applicable regulatory requirements, with experience supporting regulatory inspections and audits. Excellent knowledge of microbiological testing techniques, contamination control, and laboratory best practices. Working knowledge of microbiological method validation, verification, and transfer. Proven people management and leadership skills, including mentoring, training, and performance management. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions and resolve issues through consensus. Strong technical writing skills, including SOPs, protocols, reports, and investigations. Sound knowledge of data integrity, recordkeeping, and documentation requirements. Demonstrated problem-solving and root cause analysis skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Benefits On Commencement of Employment You are invited to join the Private Health & Private Dental Insurance scheme which will provide cover for you, spouse/partner and children with VHI. Benefit-in-kind will apply. Waiting periods for all pre-existing conditions is waived. A contribution to a gym of your choice Group Life Assurance of 4 times salary Discretionary Bonus 200 points of free product each month (valued at approximately €350 per month) 23 days holidays per annum with service-related days added on 2nd, 4th & 6th anniversary with maximum of 26 days holidays per annum. Educational assistance Program. On successful Completion of Probationary period (typically 6 months) You are eligible to join the Company Defined Contribution Pension Scheme. You are eligible for cover under the Company sick pay scheme. You are eligible for cover under the Long Term Disability scheme if you have been on certified sick leave for 26 weeks. T&Cs apply Skills: GMP GLP GDP TAMC TYMC Benefits: Company pension Allowance towards Gym Private Medical cover