Micro Lab Lead

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Wakefield is one of the largest production facilities within Michael Foods. We serve as a flex plant and are able to produce everything from a whole pasteurized egg to liquid, dried, hardboiled and curds.

Join our team and play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, safety, and quality of products through microbiological testing, laboratory excellence, and team leadership! Reporting to the FSQ Supervisor, this role is responsible for providing support to the Micro Lab staff, training, reviewing and preparing reports, and ensuring testing procedures are followed to comply with applicable regulations and company policies.

This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs, trains, and assists the Micro Technicians as needed to perform the duties defined for the Micro Lab Technicians.
• Perform laboratory duties: prepare and test samples, complete documentation, perform calibration, conduct swabbing per program requirements, and maintain sanitary conditions of the lab.
• Reports any detected abnormalities or out of specification results to FSQ manager and external plants.
• Train and assist new hires on essential job functions.
• Perform SAP transactions (receiving consumables, product disposition, and inventory management).
• Fosters open communication with all departments and co-workers.
• Reviews paperwork and generates reports.
• Conducts laboratory audits and performs inventory activities.
• Follows and provides guidance to technicians regarding GLP policies.
• Lead and assist in root cause analysis and the CAPA process for laboratory non-conformances.
• Adheres to safe work practices, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Performs the responsibilities necessary to maintain ISO certification for the Micro Laboratory.
• Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Adhere to Quality work practices, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• One year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Ability to read, write and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to work on a team as well as independently.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including off-shift hours, weekends, holidays and overtime.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, math and configuration are necessary

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
:

• Problem solving/ continuous improvement skills is a plus
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to analyze situations and make the best decision which benefits the company without jeopardizing the health and well-being of the employee.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025