Supervises analytical laboratory testing. Conducts and documents OOS investigations. Drafts new procedures and/or changes to SOP’s to keep current or improve cGMP status. Ensures conformance of all laboratory activities to appropriate cGMPs.  Enforces compliance to regulatory, safety procedures and the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Develops, recommends, and implements systems, processes, activities, SOPs, etc. to improve quality of analytical results.  Ensures that lab documents and lab data (paper and electronic) are properly classified, controlled, and stored. Conducts cGMP and on-the-job training of QC personnel.  Performs analysis of samples as required. Provides training of analytical personnel on each new method and new equipment. Ensures that all lab instruments are functional and suitable through coordinating preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, appropriate calibration, instrument upgrades, etc.  Coordinates maintenance/repairs with internal and external sources. Evaluates and recommends analytical instrumentation and associated equipment. Acts as liaison to vendors and outside laboratories regarding instrumental analysis/methods.  Ensures that polices, safety rules, FSMA standards and GMP’s are followed and enforced and that continual improvement is made towards an injury free environment.   Actively participates in root cause analysis and other continuous improvement initiatives.   Recommends and implements continuous improvement ideas.  Ensures key performance indicators in the analytical quality area are met or exceeded.  Measures productivity on a daily basis, with goal of meeting standards. Supports positive employee relations, fair treatment and respect in all aspects of interaction with employees; address employee concerns/requests in a timely and caring manner; ensures all employees and ideas are respected and valued and their unique and diverse perspectives are leveraged to improve business results. Actively engages in the performance of his/her team through setting objectives and measuring performance.  Serves as a coach and mentor to ensure the ongoing development of his/her team. Complies with safety and GMP requirements. 

 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities.    Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance.  Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures (SPP).   Reports ALL workplace incidents to manager immediately.   Communicates concerns to manager, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention.   Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required.    Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities. Responsible for safe work performance in area.  Ensures the completion of job safety analyses, safety inspections and employee training.   Acts as primary communicator of safe work practices and information to department.   Facilitates employees’ participation in the safety activity card program and on safety teams.   Completes incident investigation reports and submits them to manager by end of shift on which the incident is reported.  Conducts safety contacts and documents corrective and preventative actions.  Enforces company policies, procedures, SOP’s, SPP’s and safe work practices.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises analytical lab chemists and analytical lab technicians on the shift. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) or equivalent from four-year college or technical school in food science, chemistry, physics or related field, and a minimum of five years quality-related experience in a manufacturing environment or equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with general laboratory procedures, analytical instrumentation, strong supervisory and computer skills are required.  Minimum five years hands on analytical instrumentation experience required – HPLC and GC preferred.     General understanding of the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation. Familiarity with the LIMS- Lab Information Management System and Oracle Applications Suite 11i/Oracle Process Management module desired. Excellent computer skills required, including Microsoft Word and Excel skills. 

 

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations.

 

COMPENTENCIES 

Safety Awareness - Considers the impact on safety when making decisions and ensures safety is top priority. Acts with Integrity – Demonstrates responsible, ethical and honest behavior and models NOW’s core values. Leads Change and Innovation – Challenges the status quo, embraces technology and process improvements, gathers ideas of others, high level of adaptability. Coaches and Develops Others – Builds teams, develops and cares about team members, values and manages diversity, provides candid and constructive feedback.   Communicates proactively and effectively – Communicates clearly, candidly, directly and concisely.  Keeps others informed and listens carefully to input and feedback.  Strong verbal and written communication skills. A pproachable, relates well to others, engages people and helps them understand change, provides feedback, articulates clearly, and actively listens. Customer-Driven – Servant minded leader in which excellent service is provided to all customers, sees business through the eyes of the customer, and acts with the customer in mind. Executes with Excellence – Self-driven, action-oriented, drives for results and motivated to accomplish objectives in a fast-paced environment.    Displays a sense of urgency to meet all business objectives.  Sets clear expectations and acts decisively.  Flexibility – Ability to prioritize and to shift directions as business needs require.  Maintains a positive attitude and high quality workload.    Ability to work a flexible schedule, including off shifts and weekends to support business need.   Leads through Positive Influence – Ability to coach, mentor and train less experienced staff.  Ability to lead the work of others. D emonstrates strong character, builds partnerships, takes personal responsibility for actions, acts as role model to others. Problem-Solving – Reacts quickly and appropriately to opportunities and problems and makes sound decisions.  Follows up in a timely manner to issues not immediately resolved.   Strong analytical skills to t roubleshoot and resolve issues while driving towards root cause analysis.  Strong decision making, ability to make independent decisions and ability to problem solve complex issues.  Ability to identify multiple solutions and implement the best solution. Quality - Strong attention to detail skills required.   Achieves Results through Teamwork – Open to diverse ideas, works collaboratively, holds self and others accountable, and involves others to accomplish individual and team goals. Time Management - Plans and organizes well, multi-task abilities, stays focused on priorities, visualizes and plans for the future, and executes tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; stand and/or walk throughout the facility; ascend and/or descend stairs;  use hands to finger, handle, and feel;  and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to enter information into a computer.    The employee is required to travel and work from other facilities as needed.   

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

T he work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is frequently exposed to vapors and/or herbal aromas. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The employee may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.