QC Lab Manager - Petrifilm

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!

• Directly manage the QC Lab Supervisor, guiding their focus on daily lab flow, training, and troubleshooting. Responsible for staff performance reviews, compensation reviews, and hiring decisions for the department.
• Hold final accountability for the release or rejection of Petrifilm products, ensuring all quality standards and regulatory requirements are met before material is released.
• Serve as the primary point person for the QC Lab function during all regulatory agency inspections and internal/external quality audits. Oversee internal inspection readiness and drive the on-time closure of all audit commitments.
• Lead the development and optimization of all quality systems and processes specific to the QC Lab. Author and manage all Standard Test Procedures (STPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Risk Assessments for the laboratory.
• Manage the departmental budget for consumables, capital equipment, and labor. Responsible for compiling, analyzing, and reporting key laboratory metrics, including On-Time Release performance, OOS investigation closure rate, and managing quality alignment along the manufacturing line.
• Lead the investigation and closure process for all Out-of-Specification (OOS) results and assist the Quality Engineer in all internal and external quality investigations related to the QC Lab, identifying root causes and developing effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Define and establish departmental Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that align the QC Lab’s goals with the overall organizational and Quality department strategy.

• Leading Others:
  Delegates tasks appropriately to the Supervisor to enhance team effectiveness. Leverages team strengths to drive performance and testing efficiency.
• Organizational Strategy:
  Is the expert in the QC function and uses understanding of the organization to help drive performance.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving:
  Possesses innovative problem-solving skills, particularly in complex quality investigations (OOS, audit responses). Ensures the team and Supervisor have the information and tools necessary to make compliant decisions, while retaining final accountability.
• Driving Performance:
  Creates accountability for Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Utilizes time and resources effectively to control the lab budget and meet critical metrics like On-Time Release.
• Communication:
  Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media, varying the message based on the audience (e.g., technicians, Director, auditors). Fosters collaboration across departments.
• Cultural Fit:
  Demonstrates and lives Neogen’s Pillars of Trust (Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service) in all actions and behaviors.

• Ph.D. in Microbiology or a closely related science field AND 0-1 year of related experience.
• OR Master’s Degree in Microbiology or a closely related science field AND 3-4 years of related experience in a QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
• OR Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or a closely related science field AND a minimum of 6-7 years of related experience in a QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
• OR Associate’s Degree in a science-related field AND 9-11 years of related experience in a QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
• OR High School Diploma/GED AND a minimum of 15-16 years of progressive lab experience AND a minimum of 7 years of related experience in QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
• Proven experience acting as a designated trainer or technical resource is required.
• Advanced knowledge of GLP, ISO, and relevant regulatory standards is required.

• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex regulatory, procedural, and scientific documents in English.
• Exceptional ability to write formal reports, SOPs, and correspondence, and to speak effectively as the lab’s representative to regulatory…