Lab Lead

Coordinate daily lab activities and work tasks of lab technicians and assume duties necessary to support the team in executing laboratory and quality assurance activities. Provide training and guidance to new employees. Demonstrate full proficiency in performing tasks related to the testing of products, setting of samples, and following through on various quality assurance programs. Perform laboratory tests according to prescribed standards on in-process and finished food products and ingredients in a food production laboratory. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Ensure products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards. Review procedures, specifications, work instructions, and batch records for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and regulatory compliance. Administer and support programs required to ensure certification and continued registration to SQF standards. Provide support in administration of plant Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), SAP compliance, and hold programs. Cover planned vacations for Lab Techs.

• Coordinate daily lab activities; assign work tasks; monitor task progress; monitor technicians' performance and the correctness and efficiency of their testing; conduct inspections of the work area; function as an escalation point for questions or issues; and provide input into performance development and management activities
• Full Proficiency in all technical processes and procedures related to the laboratory activities and equipment, skills in analytical/ scientific methods or operational processes to perform straightforward activities
• Perform all laboratory testing and quality control activities as needed to support the team in executing laboratory and quality assurance activities, and cover lab technician planned vacations
• Notify manager of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately; monitor quality problems or trends. Maintain documentation of all non-compliance to work standards. Review findings and establish plan of action to correct deviations
• Assist production in root-cause analysis for process results that are out of spec
• Assist during plant inspections and audits
• Assist with laboratory special projects and new testing implementation
• Perform Document Records, Control & Retention activities
  
  
  
  • Perform PCQI review of daily records
  • Ensure lab records are accurate, clear, timely, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures
  • Review production and maintenance records related to Food Safety & Quality and laboratory records for completeness and accuracy in accordance with company and regulatory requirements
  • File and maintain batch production and control records related to Food Safety and Quality according to DFA document retention policy
  • Maintain and update plant SOP's, work instructions, and JHA's as needed and submit through the document approval process
  • Maintain plant document registers. Ensure that end-users in the plant are using current versions consistently
  • Ensure the integrity of specifications in SAP and data uploaded into the system through regular systems checks
  • Assist in the monitoring and verification of PC's, CQP's, and mitigation strategies in the facility.
  
  
  
  

• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Addresses defined and straightforward problems using existing standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Follows established procedures on work activities and receives instruction only on new assignments
• Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrived
• Participate in weekly safety observation program
• Participate in monthly GMP inspection program
• Be part of the food safety and food defense team
• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgement
• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety, GLP, and GMP policies and procedures in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements; and report any nonconformity
• Attend required training and assist on training others, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), and Food Defense.
• Be familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices and Pasteurized Milk Ordinance requirements for plant and laboratory operation
• Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, and vendor and employee information
• Be responsible for the attainment of plant goals and objectives
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees and peers
• Works autonomously within established procedures and practices
• Able to train others, while managing own workload.
• May act as lead providing subject matter guidance to team members but not as a supervisor
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but it is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required.
• Other duties may be assigned as required.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences preferred
• 4 to 6 years of food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance and/or related work experience
• Certification and/or License - Certified Industry Supervisor (CIS) certification for antibiotic testing; PCQI certification; SQF certification; and FDQI certification required.
• Familiarity with all applicable laboratory equipment
• Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
• Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products
• Able to keep good records (record keeping skill)
• Able to follow directions
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others
• Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions
• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer