Laboratory Manager

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Job description

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company which provides a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries. With about 55,000 staff in more than 900 sites across 50 countries, Eurofins believes it is the world leader in food, environment and pharmaceutical products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and for supporting clinical studies. Thanks to its decentralized structure and very strong growth, Eurofins provides unparalleled career opportunities for leaders and professionals who want to join a fast paced environment and grow their responsibilities quickly, in Australia, New Zealand or overseas.

Eurofins Food and Water Testing New Zealand provides range of class leading food, water, plant, soil and fertilizer testing, as well as horticultural services and technical solutions, primarily to the New Zealand market. With a staff of over 350 we operate laboratories in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Tauranga. We specialise in all Food types, Plants, Soils, Fertilizers, Potable Water, Sludge, Sediments, Leachate, Trade Waste Effluents, Sewage Effluents, Surface Water, River & Stream Monitoring, Seawater, and Groundwater.

We are looking for a Lab Manager to join our Agriculture team within our Dairy, Food and Water testing laboratory based in Penrose, Auckland.

The key responsibilities of this position include:

* Day to day management of laboratory staff in all aspects of laboratory activities
* Ensure the laboratory operates within the QMS and complies with all policies, procedures and associated documents
* Review test methods and relevant documentation in collaboration with the Quality and Technical Team
* Train and develop staff to ensure a multi-skilled team and staff retention
* Provide technical expertise and troubleshoot laboratory technical and quality related issues, ensuring that this is communicated effectively to all parts of the business and stakeholders in a timely manner
* Responsible for ensuring the technical validity of the results and that the results are 'fit for purpose'
* Monitor laboratory productivity and implement measures to improve overall laboratory efficiency
* Ensure robust processes and controls are in place regarding stock
* Lead laboratory projects such as development of new and improved methods
* Ensure all laboratory records are maintained to establish a full audit trail to meet regulatory requirements. Investigate nonconforming work and complaints relating to relevant testing activities, identify root cause and implement actions to prevent recurrence
* Ensure laboratory IT system issues are identified, escalated and followed through to ensure timely resolution
* Maintain a safe working environment - H&S training, and ongoing risk assessment. Ensure the lab always operates in a safe manner and lead by example in all activities
* Ensure shift patterns are in place and suitable staffing levels are in place to cover 7 day working throughout the year
* In conjunction with HR recruit new team members and deliver inductions for new starters in line with company standards
* Degree or equivalent in Science
* Some background in Agri - soils and plant will be advantage
* Working knowledge of either Agriculture and or Testing laboratories accredited to ISO 17025.
* Have worked in a laboratory for at least 3 years.
* Experience of working in an IANZ accredited laboratory.
* Good IT skills, word, excel, & LIMS.
* Proven experience of leading a team including training and development of staff.
* Degree level qualification in Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or other relevant subject.
* Previous management / supervisory experience within an accredited contract testing laboratory or food industry laboratory environment is desirable.
* Thorough understanding of relevant quality system and accreditation requirements
* Operational experience of dealing with customers and clients and meeting deadlines.
* Proven experience of working in a fast environment with the ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve.
* Good keyboards skills and experience of LIMS Systems, MS Office packages

Overview of key accountabilities and key performance indicators:

* Effective utilisation of staff
* Customer and growth focus
* Improve financial performance of the laboratory
* Leadership
* Process improvement and alignment of laboratory practices nationally
* Comply with HSE policy and procedures
* Comply with quality management system policies and procedures

Behavioural competencies:

* Ability to work under pressure
* Highly motivated
* Proven organisational skills
* Professional attitude
* Flexible
* Have a continuous improvement mindset
* Safety conscious

All candidate CV's and cover letter's will be reviewed, however please note that we are not always able to respond to every expression of interest submitted.

If you have the necessary skills and experience, please submit a cover letter (1 page maximum) and a resume demonstrating your experience and reason for wanting the position no later than 20 May 2021.

This opportunity is only open to candidates who are eligible to work in Australia/New Zealand, and already have work rights or an appropriate working visa.

Please note: Current Eurofins employees should first speak with their Business Unit Manager before submitting an application for this position.

In your submission, please include the following information:

Your salary expectation;

If you are a permanent resident / citizen

If you are able to work an early or late shift