OPERATIONS MANAGER

Certified Group is committed to delivering expert solutions and quality testing our customers can feel confident in - on time, every time - so the world can trust in what it consumes. As a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services, Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), FSNS Certification & Audit, Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, and Labstat International Inc. Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

We have embarked on an important journey to unify and strengthen our culture by living these core values: Start with the Customer, Drive to Deliver, Commit to Safety and Quality, and Believe in the Team - including believing in you.

We are currently looking for an Operation Manager to join our growing team!

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the management of daily laboratory operations consisting primarily of the execution of microbiological and chemical methods, including techniques, processes, quality control, and interpretation in a commercial laboratory operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Maintain quality and efficiency, ensuring all laboratory day-to-day execution is consistent and in adherence with FSNS' standard of operations for all testing performed by maintaining a balance between laboratory supervision and administrative duties. Effectively execute enhancements to profitability, productivity, and efficiency throughout the laboratory.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with Laboratory Manager to hire, train, engage, empower, schedule labor and workflow, coach, counsel, review performance and develop all laboratory team members in accordance with FSNS standard of operations in a matter that promotes high quality, integrity, teamwork and a sense of urgency.
• Achieve a high level of proficiency in all positions within the laboratory.
• Participate in generating and interpreting operations budgets and various operational reports, as needed.
• Understand and assist with proficiency, unequivocal technical/scientific standards, employee training, quality control processes and records in all laboratories.
• Ensure that results are accurate through management of data traceability in LIMS system and hand written reports as well as adherence to approved laboratory techniques. Authority to stop work if standards are not met.
• Work with Technical Manager to ensure laboratory execution is in compliance with FSNS Quality Management systems, ISO 17025 requirements and customer programs to include internal and external proficiency testing.
• Address and resolve any malfunctioning equipment/facility issues or non-compliance of supplies and reagents.
• Be proficient in the practical applications of method validation, competitors' methods, and industry regulations.
• Independently pursue and have a working knowledge of processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with the FSNS written policies and procedures.
• Periodically review and visually audit laboratory staff and processes to ensure compliance with methods and FSNS standard operating procedures.
• Provide unsurpassed customer service, managing sample and testing flow to meet customers' individual specifications and turnaround time deadlines. Communicate directly with laboratory client base, meeting with customers in person as necessary or as requested by the management team. Lead on-boarding process for new customers or testing.
• Isolate needs for any retests of client samples based on quality control concerns or abnormal results.
• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends.
• Assisting with managing priorities and schedule such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged participation in the Food Safety Net Services Team
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area
• Responsible for the completion of required training

• Authorized for method verification

SUPERVISION

• Supervision and oversight of multiple supervisors, team leaders and employees.
• Carries out all responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times.
• Maintain harmony in the workplace and professional business demeanor at all times.
• Other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have 5+ years direct experience in commercial microbiological laboratory testing and 3+ years direct supervision. Customer service experience preferred.
• Must have an understanding of GMPs, GLPs, and laboratory quality assurance principles and procedures. Understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 preferred.
• Experience with computerized laboratory information management systems (LIMS) preferred.
• Preferred BS/MS Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related field technical procedures, or governmental regulations preferred or pursuing or equivalent work experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks
• Overnight Travel may be required at the discretion of management
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

BENEFITS:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.