Quality Lab Manager

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Site QA Manager/Associate Director – Manufacturing - Quality, the Quality Laboratory Manager is responsible for implementing, managing, monitoring and maintaining the plant’s Microbiology & Analytical programs and corresponding equipment to ensure compliance to regulatory, federal, and local laws. The Quality Laboratory Manager will manage a team of microbiological technicians, lab analysts and analytical technicians to support a 24/7 operation that runs up to 365 days a year.  This role will actively participate and support all internal and external auditing activities (FSSC/ISO, KHMS and HACCP).  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Directs, trains, mentors, and leads the site Quality Laboratory team to ensure program goals are met. Monitors and maintains the plant laboratory compliance to KHMS and International Audit (FSSC/ISO) standards.
• Leads the implementation and on-going compliance of the KHMS (Kraft Heinz Management System) associated with laboratory requirements.
• Responsible for the coordination, scheduling, and tasking of Microbiological and Analytical laboratory duties to hourly direct reports to ensure that the Quality Laboratory department is meeting all requirements and supporting the plant.
• Accountable for the Laboratory Safety, Health and Environmental systems and operational standards to ensure compliance as outlined in our policies/procedures and processes.
• Lead Quality and Production teams in handling any Microbiological and Analytical issues at the plant.
• Support all internal and external inspections/regulatory visits. Support audit preparation activities, accompany inspectors, and complete necessary reports and postings. Perform follow-ups to non-conformances and provide responses as appropriate.
• Ensure all SOPs and Work Instructions are maintained and updated/approved as required.
• Ensure that all necessary supplies and consumable inventory and ordering are completed on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. 
• Partner with 3rd party vendors and internal resources to ensure all equipment is maintained and calibrated according to specifications.
• Coordinate Microbiological & Analytical support/resources for commercialization projects/trials. 
• Manage the scheduling, collection, and communication of the Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) results to Quality, Operations and Sanitation teams.
• Direct the Microbiological & Analytical testing for (a) finished product, raw material and in-process production using accepted laboratory testing methodology and (b) environmental/sanitation indicators using accepted laboratory testing methodology.
• Responsible to ensure results are recorded in appropriate bookkeeping format and analyzing results to determine proper action to be taken for correction.
• Compile, analyze, and disseminate data for periodic reports such as daily, weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc reports.
• Proficiency in utilizing plant and laboratory systems and databases, while identifying areas improvement and data digitization.
• Must perform specific research and development trials for new product Methodology or techniques.
• Must be continually updating technical knowledge.
• Must perform any other duties assigned by management.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Degree in a scientific field such as Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering preferred.
• Experience as a Quality/Microbiological Laboratory Manager and/or technical leadership role.
• Must be able to flex work hours and weekends as needed to support business needs.  Prompt and regular attendance.
• Strong leadership, technical, communication and organizational skills required along with attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of Analytical/Quality/Micro systems, procedures, and policies helpful. Handle multiple assignments, develop work plans, and prioritize.
• Knowledge of statistical processes.
• Detailed-oriented.
• Effective communication skills (oral written and verbal).
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Successful candidates must possess a positive focus toward solutions with emphasis on preventative proactive measures and team-building.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Manufacturing plant environment with heavy machinery and equipment. Additionally, this role requires ​availability to provide support for a 24-hour / 7-day week operation for critical issues if needed.​ 

Physical Requirements 

Physical demands include but not limited to:

• Frequent – activity or conditions sustained 1/3 to 2/3 of working hours; upright stance, traversal of workspace, pushing, pulling, fine movement, repetitive motion, keyboard or text input; medium – occasionally exerting 20-50 lbs. of force, frequently 10 – 25 lbs, or any amount constantly.  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

#INDMFGS

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.