Microbiology Manager

Leadership & People Development

• Manage and mentor microbiology supervisors, leads, and analysts to achieve daily throughput, quality, and turnaround targets.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and engagement through effective coaching, training, and performance management.
• Oversee workforce planning, including scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, and retention in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Ensure consistent alignment with company policies, Code of Conduct, and equal employment standards.

Operational Excellence

• Translate site and corporate strategic goals into departmental action plans with measurable KPIs.
• Oversee daily sample flow, workload balancing, and resource allocation to maintain turnaround time and client commitments.
• Develop and maintain systems ensuring methodologies are properly implemented and validated per client and regulatory requirements.
• Support new method implementation, technology integration, and scope expansion in coordination with network technical teams.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration, and qualification of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance.

Quality, Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Ensure all microbiological testing complies with internal SOPs and external standards (ISO 17025, AOAC, USDA, FDA, SMEDP).
• Review, interpret, and approve analytical data; verify that results meet quality and accuracy standards prior to release.
• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation, ensuring root cause investigations and effective follow-up.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external audits, demonstrating full readiness and documentation traceability.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain robust documentation practices.

Communication & Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Laboratory Director and network stakeholders to communicate departmental performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Technical, Quality, Procurement, and Industrial Performance teams on process optimization and cost-efficiency projects.
• Provide technical support and consultative communication to internal and external clients regarding methods, data interpretation, and issue resolution.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Contribution

• Leverage performance data and metrics (efficiency, quality, capacity, OTD) to identify trends and implement process improvements.
• Support the deployment of network-wide operational excellence initiatives and digital tools (e.g., LIMS enhancements, dashboards).
• Maintain current knowledge in food microbiology and laboratory technologies through continuing education and peer engagement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field required.
• Master’s or PhD in Microbiology or related discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years in a microbiology laboratory environment, with at least two (2) years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in food microbiology methods and quality systems (ISO, AOAC, BAM, USDA, FDA).
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a high-volume, regulated testing environment.
• Experience managing audits and implementing CAPA, method validations, and operational improvements.
• Proficiency with LIMS and standard office software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office).
• Familiarity with diagnostic and rapid detection platforms such as BAX, GeneUP, VIDAS, VITEK, IQ, and Invisible Sentinel.
• Strong preference for experience in the food testing or food manufacturing industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of laboratory performance metrics and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with attention to detail and urgency.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in balancing quality, cost, and efficiency.
• Familiarity with business process improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma principles preferred.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-shift environment.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in laboratory conditions with standard PPE.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during lab operations.
• Occasional travel up to 10–15% for meetings, audits, or training.
• Ethical & Code of Conduct Responsibilities
• The Microbiology Manager must operate at all times in compliance with Company Code of Conduct, promoting ethical behavior, client focus, and adherence to quality and safety standards.