Career Center
Posted: 07-Jun-23
Location: Nationwide
Type: Full Time
Salary: Based on experience
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Certified Group is a leading North American provider of laboratory testing and audit and certification services. The Certified Group of companies includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, Labstat International Inc., Advanced Botanical Consulting & Testing (ABC Testing Inc.), Microconsult Inc. and Micro Quality Labs Inc. The Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, cannabis, nicotine and hemp industries.
We are currently looking for a Director of Quality - Food Laboratories to join our growing team!
JOB SUMMARY
Oversight of the Quality Programs to support chemical and microbiological testing of food products and environmental samples for all Food Testing Laboratories. Oversee the Quality department personnel ensuring proper review and interpretation of quality reports, audits, and laboratory quality control records in all areas of the business; oversees the CAPA processes; works with operations to review and approve training materials for laboratories, and manages relationship with A2LA and accreditation organizations. Possesses the authority to halt laboratory testing in the event of a high-risk non-compliance or control failure. Works in a synergetic manner with the Operations to drive overall improvement in the knowledge and professional acumen of the laboratory teams.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage all aspects of the network-wide Corporate Quality Program for food laboratories to ensure compliance with Certified Group’s Quality Management System. Promotes a Culture of Quality and champions efforts to achieve Organizational Excellence and Improvement.
- Supervise quality system operations and pursue consistent review of processes, procedures, and techniques across all Certified Group Food Testing sites to maintain ISO 17025 compliance. Ensure food testing laboratory network compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards as well as the proper implementation of the Certified Group’s Methods Manual, Quality Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safety Manual, and approved laboratory procedures.
- Grow team capabilities to achieve organizational excellence. Effectively manages change and delegate as applicable.
- Oversee development of training programs to support laboratory operations and the addition of new methods to laboratory scopes.
- Ethically manage company resources and demonstrate superior personal reliability/accountably.
- Perform internal audits of all quality system documentation and personnel utilizing the A2LA auditor checklists for general quality system compliance, food microbiology/food chemistry, and laboratory quality system documents including methodology and work instructions
- Assist Laboratory Management in the selection, training and professional development of Quality Managers that are assigned to each laboratory operation. Serves as a dotted line manager to all Quality Managers.
- This position has the authority to perform internal audits on all parts of the quality system including documents, methodology (as it pertains to the laboratory’s Scope of Accreditation), and personnel
- Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends
- Perform other duties as assigned
SUPERVISION
- Supervise direct reports and dotted line supervision of laboratory technical staff.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
- Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters of Science degree from a four-year College or university required, preferably in food microbiology or food science.
- Minimum of 2-3 years food-related experience. Must be able to discuss sciences such as microbiology, chemistry and food safety.
- Experience in training and facilitation is desirable.
- Experience in Six Sigma Quality Operations is desired.
- Requires use of LIMS and Microsoft Office Products software.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Sitting for extended periods of time
- Standing for extended periods of time
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other
- communications/computer components
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Frequent travel
- Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
BENEFITS:
- Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
- Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Group Medical
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Dental
- Paid Holidays and Time Off
Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.
