Quality Assurance Lab Manager

QA Laboratory Manager – Central Laboratory
Dungarvan, Co Waterford
 

Tirlán 
Tirlán, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands. 

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

A talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivers annual revenues of over €3 billion. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Role Profile
We have an exciting opportunity for a QA Lab Manager in Tirlán's Central Laboratory in Dungarvan. This role will report to the Site Manager with responsibility for managing and driving continuous improvement, good lab practices and identifying, validating, and approving new test methods.

The Central Laboratory houses a Microbiology and Chemistry laboratory providing analysis for a variety of tests using FTIR, ELISA, PCR, LCMS/MS and other technologies.

Key Responsibilities 
•    Manage the quality system to include internal audits, document control and non-conforming work, maintaining and updating the documentation of the CLAS Quality Assurance System/ISO17025;
•    Manage Health & Safety in the lab, carrying out risk assessments and identifying areas for improvement;
•    Manage Technician competency, participation in IQA/EQA and training by regularly reviewing the training needs of the laboratory and developing employee's skills;
•    Manage equipment calibration i.e., balances, timers, thermometers etc as per annual calibration schedule ensuring laboratory test equipment is utilised and maintained correctly;

•    Managing the validation/qualification of test methods and test systems;
•    Manage the Team Leads and nurture their development in the lab environment;
•    Assist the Site Manager with the day-to-day running of the lab and technical operations;
•    Developing expertise and understanding of current and future analytical techniques, assist in the planning and implementation of investment;
•    Developing and changing of in-house lab procedures as appropriate.
•    Ensuring the quality of daily work is maintained to a high standard at all times and the allocation of work to technicians;
•    Maintaining satisfactory environmental conditions suitable for the accurate and reliable analysis of samples, while protecting the health and safely of all lab employees;
•    Plan and develop strategies and controlling workflow;
•    Management and receipt of samples;
•    Management of results reporting;
•    Ensuring timely completion of all laboratory analysis;
•    Deputise for the Site Manager as required

Requirements
•    BSc Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or equivalent Quality related Science qualification
•    Ideally 5+ years’ experience with strong quality management in the dairy industry, cheese industry, infant formula, or wider food industries;

•    Experience of managing a large team (people management);
•    Proficient in applicable GMP/QSR regulations;
•    Ability to deal with ambiguity and develop bespoke Quality Systems;
•    Quality Systems Audit experience;
•    Good prioritization capability and comfortable adapting to meet production needs;
•    Organised and methodical, with excellent attention to detail;
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate technical information effectively;
•    Drive for Results;
•    Planning;
•    Interpersonal Savvy;
•    Conflict Management;
•    Managing through systems;
•    Organisational agility.

We offer
•    Free parking;
•    Collaborative work culture;
•    Career progression opportunities.

About us 
Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market. Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth. 
We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status. 

Join our Talent Pool
Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at www.tirlan.com/careers

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation