Laboratory Management Systems Co in Ballymena

Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.

At Dale Farm, virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.

Culture

Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working towards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team. The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship-based workspace.

Job Purpose

As the Laboratory Management Systems Coordinator, you will play a key role in the group central labs, with responsibility for maintaining and optimising the laboratory management systems. You will ensure both laboratory services consistently meet established standards and regulatory requirements, maintain, update, and improve the quality management system (QMS), manage documentation, and monitor compliance metrics to support a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will also support the wider laboratory management team with internal and external audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and work instructions are accurate, updated, and properly version controlled.
• Manage the distribution and archiving of essential quality documents using electronic QMS (eQMS) / Document Control software.
• Ensure all processes & documentation aligns with industry regulatory requirements and standards (e.g., ISO 17025, CLAS & RSA standards).
• Collate, trend and analyse laboratory data.
• Coordinate training activities and assist in onboarding personnel regarding quality standards and safety protocols.
• Prepare and coordinate group quality statistical reports for senior management review.
• Collaborate with interdepartmental laboratory stakeholders to drive business improvement.
• Assist in preparing documentation for external regulatory bodies or certification assessors.
• Lead and coordinate Health & Safety improvement initiatives across the group laboratories.
• Other reasonable duties as required.

Qualifications

• Applicants should be educated to a third level (or equivalent) in food science / technology or related discipline.
• Strong communication skills verbal, written and computerised.
• Proficient in the use of all Microsoft applications with advanced Excel skills.
• Highly organised and able to work independently as well as in a team.
• Meticulous with regards to attention to detail and time management.
• Previous experience working within a food manufacturing technical or laboratory environment is desirable.
• Previous experience working with electronic quality management systems.

In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.