Laboratory Manager

Main Purpose of Post
- Responsible for the safe, efficient and high-quality operation for the main lab, media production and sample registration in microbiology.
- To lead the senior team supporting the overall operation of microbiology ensuring the lab operates to the required ISO 17025 standard in-line with the QMS
- To work closely with customers and translate those requirements into the operations (e.g. new method development, Service Level performance etc.) delivering a business unit that compliments the wider business.
- Responsible for managing a small site. Will drive the business forward and have overall responsibility for all staff on site.

MAIN DUTIES

Financial:

- Accountability for P&L’s for the business unit.
- Manage Costs in-line with Budget for the financial year.
- Ensure a culture of low-cost/no-cost is in place with the Business Unit (without compromising Service or quality).
- Ensure lost opportunity/rework tracking is in place to drive reduced consumable costs.
- Develop methods to reduce cost/improve efficiency/improve LOQ/LODs.

Operations/Quality
- To ensure that all work carried out complies with documented procedures for all aspects of laboratory work, that all relevant information concerning samples is recorded, that samples are handled correctly, that worksheets are kept in an orderly manner.
- Ensure that all samples are being correctly registered with accurate information and ad-hoc customer requirements (e.g. escalations) are also managed through the registration process. Ensuring that the processes and systems are fully optimised and all staffare well trained.
- Develop a culture of continuous improvement that allows a continual improvement in the lab.
- Ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with clients’ requirements within agreed time scales.
- Ensure that sufficient media are provided within the laboratory. Ensuring it is made to the right standards and there are suitable Quality Controls in place for the media.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained and services to the correct standard ensuring it is all safe to operate and is fully calibrated.
- Ensure complaints and NCWs are completed to a high standard and in a timely manner.
- As required complete internal audits in-line with the audit schedule for the site.

Customer:

- Support customer requirements and be a key-link to ensure customer requirements are translated within the lab.
- Be a technical expert for the business and our customers (not essential).
- Work with the senior team to ensure results are being reported correctly and in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Understanding of ISO, UKAS, audit procedures and methods.
- Understanding of the specific analytical and data handling requirements of the analytical testing industry.
- Good working knowledge of laboratories with a clear understanding of the key elements such a business involves.
- Good technical understanding of Food Microbiology and understanding of legislative requirements and industry standards.
- Desire to continually learn and improve.
- Demonstrated experience as a successful people leader, with a focus on production, re-engineering and cost reduction, with proven leadership experience.
- Strong numeracy and financial skills.
- Ability to build and structure business plans, submissions and initiatives.
- Sales and customer management experience.
- Degree (or equivalent) or higher qualification.