Seasoned Manager – Laboratory Programs & Analytics

This position is responsible for identifying, leading, coaching, training and implementing laboratory programs & analytics across the FFUSA organization. Responsibilities include directing and developing quality personnel and working with cross-functional stakeholders, to ensure the execution and sustainability of laboratory methods & analytics and quality related documentation within the Quality Management System (QMS). This position will keep the organization up to date on laboratory methodology changes and will work directly with facilities to understand resource needs and support implementation of programs, policies, and procedures as necessary.

Responsibilities:

Lab Program Manager to direct regional standardization, optimization and implementation of laboratory standards, workflows, and policies

• Develop long range plan for maintaining the FFUSA facility laboratory programs & processes to meet ISO 17025 compliance.

• Develop and monitor performance indicators/metrics for FFUSA facility laboratories and services, including proficiency testing. Support compliance efforts, reports and resolve areas of non-compliance.

• Establish best practice guidelines for laboratory procedures to ensure simplified, standardized and repeatable processes.

• Responsible for managing third party laboratory services associated with FFUSA dairy processing facilities.

• Responsible to manage relationship with laboratory testing equipment partners

Laboratory Data Analytics Leader

• Ensure appropriate in-process and finished product sampling & testing method implementation to support centerlining objectives.

• Work with stakeholders and process owners to implement systems to analyze data generated in the laboratories utilizing various techniques and tools aimed at interpreting laboratory results, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

Quality Systems Management

• Oversee personnel and activities to ensure process capabilities improvements are incorporated into product specifications and other related quality documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, food science, microbiology, or another related field

• 5 years of job-related experience

• Familiarity with laboratory operations and services

• Familiarity with BAM, AOAC, ISO 17025, and Codex Alimentarius

• Strong leadership qualities to guide and inspire teams and foster collaboration

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate clear and effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and business partners

• Ability to develop and implement policies and operating practices

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address issues promptly

• Ability to prioritize and delegate responsibilities

• Strong data driven decision-making abilities

• Ability to successfully handle contracts and other negotiations 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Laboratory Management 

• Experience in the food industry, dairy preferred

Physical Job Setting:  Hybrid, corporate office

BENEFITS:

Because you and your family matter, Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area! Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. You can choose to enroll in a single or family plan with low monthly premiums and low annual deductibles ($250/$500). Other benefits include:

• 401(k) with a generous company contribution (100% match on up to 8% deferral)
• Paid time off, starting at 200 hours (25 days)
• 10 Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks paid at 100%)
• Flexible spending accounts – for medical and dependent care (childcare) expenses
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral program
• Advancement opportunities!

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.