Lab Manager - Matrix Sciences International Inc

Are you looking to progress in your career with a fast-growing food safety company? Are you a hardworking, collaborative team member ready to hit the ground running and get the job done? Then we are looking for you!

What we do:

Matrix Sciences International Inc. provides a uniquely comprehensive scope of laboratory, advisory, research, agsciences and data management services that support our customers’ confidence in bringing safe, quality food to market.

The Matrix Sciences Microbiology laboratory performs testing for pathogens, bacteria, yeast, molds and other organisms in a variety of food, products and packaging, as well as in support of our clients’ environmental monitoring programs.

Why it matters:

This work allows clients to identify potential contamination before it impacts their products and helps them feel confident that their products meet their quality standards and are safe for consumption in the market.

Role summary:

The Laboratory Manager will provide business, operational and technical leadership within the Chemistry Laboratory, ensuring that approved systems are in place and functioning appropriately. This includes leading the operation by developing plans that ensure we keep the commitments made to our customers in a way that balances the needs of the customer, the employees and the company.

What you’ll do:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Direct and monitor laboratory operations, applying Matrix’s Enabling Principles – Expertise, Integrity and Communication – in all areas including client satisfaction, scientific integrity, quality improvement, business growth, profitability, employee competence and satisfaction, risk reduction, etc.
• Develop, document, seek approval as needed, and execute plans to ensure that the operation is able to manage sample volumes, customer commitments and technical requirements in a sustainable and scalable way.
• Ensure that client results are analyzed and approved by qualified individuals within established turnaround times, ensuring that traceability and documentation requirements are unfailingly met.
• Support result interpretation and, when appropriate, involve other experts in the interpretation and communication of results. Review and authorize test results, supporting sample analysis troubleshooting and client specific requests.
• Monitor financials for location, including but not limited to supply and service orders and labor expenses. Develop plans to meet targets and to adjust to changing circumstances. Participate in the budget process and execute on resulting plans.
• Propose, plan, and implement measures to improve testing procedures and/or efficient use of equipment and labor. Engage staff in the change process and ensure their involvement in the Bright Ideas program by encouraging their ideas and supporting the qualification of their ideas.
• Work closely with Client Services and Sales to successfully onboard clients. Evaluate customer needs and develop plans to deliver on agreed upon commitments. Ensure there is training and resourcing to support keeping promises made to customers
• Ensure timely communication of operational difficulties and delays to client service personnel as well as any emerging client requirements to appropriate personnel as needed.
• Ensure that all staff are trained in a way that supports the quality of work being produced and that all training is documented.
• Provide technical, managerial, and administrative leadership and expertise to assigned personnel. Responsibilities include providing direction, evaluating results, monitoring wages, evaluating performance, hiring and developing employees.
• Develop staff by proving meaningful and constructive feedback on an ongoing basis and in the context of the performance review process. Ensure that policies with respect to performance reviews are strictly adhered to. Ensure that hire/fire/discipline practices are carried out in a fair, clear and compliant way. Ensure the proactive involvement of senior management and HR in all appropriate cases.
• Ensure complete compliance with the quality system in all aspects of the operation. Ensure investigation of non-conformances, problems, customer complaints are documented and performed in a way that objectively identifies root causes. Work with appropriate resources in these investigations and in the development of effective corrective actions. Ensure that all corrective actions are implemented in a traceable and sustainable way and that they are reviewed for effectiveness.
• Participate and support organizational change as it relates to both process development and standardization of workflow processes across the network of laboratories. This includes supporting identification of best practices or new process design, collaborating with cross functional teams and leveraging staff throughout the organization. Lead and manage change implementation through local leadership
• Seek support from within the organization for technical, quality, procedural and any other issues.
• This position has the responsibility and authority to initiate action to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or operating procedures. This authority includes addressing resource needs to properly address issues such as client turn-around time requirements, overtime limits, employee turnover, work stoppage and assure the appropriate type and amount of materials are ready and available for use
• Ensure ongoing communication with your team with the goal of engaging them in the operation, informing them of changes, educating them and keeping them updated on important events. Ensure that communication on company issues is carried out according to direction and guidance.
• Develop and maintain a working climate that fosters corporate culture goals, encouraging inter and intra-division cooperation. Promote the company’s image and culture in all interactions with employees, clients, professional organizations, vendors, industry personnel, and the public at large.
• Support and comply with all Company policies, Quality Systems & Health and Safety policies.
• Support Client Services to respond to client inquiries, complaints, and concerns.
• Participate in third party and internal audits as required.
• Create, review, revise, and approve SOPs.
• Direct and advise personnel in test procedures and results interpretation.
• Monitor laboratory purchase of inventory and storage.

What you have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field and/or minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team.
• Positive outlook with the ability to adapt to a changing environment.
• Willing to work weekends and have flexibility for overtime.

What we offer:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Accident & Critical Illness
• Paid Time-Off
• Tuition Reimbursement

Work location:

• Mount Prospect, IL

EEO Statement

Matrix Sciences International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Matrix Sciences is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees. We treat all employees and applicants in conformance with both the spirit and letter of federal, state, and local employment discrimination laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. The Company makes all employment decisions without regard to a person's race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniform services membership status or any other characteristic protected by law. Discrimination, retaliation or harassment based upon any of these factors is wholly inconsistent with how we do business and will not be tolerated.

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