Laboratory Manager in Billericay

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We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lab Manager to join the team at Billericay. Reporting to the site Operations Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing all laboratory related activities on site, covering QC and Product Development.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Manage laboratory resource to effectively meet the testing demands of the production operation and the requirements for all product development.
• Manage laboratory staff in line with company appraisals.
• Ensure the maintenance & calibration of all laboratory equipment on site is achieved and recorded.
• Support site management on the setting on the AOP (Annual Operating Plan) for the laboratory, ensuring the lowest cost options are achieved and AOP is challenged through tight management of department consumables.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures, policies, and standards for all stages of the production process as required.
• Monitor and analyse production processes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions with specific regard to first time pass rates.
• Develop, implement and maintain KPIs for the department.
• Support non-conformance rectification through a robust CAPA / Root Cause 5 Y’s investigation system.
• Train and assess competence of laboratory personnel on quality control procedures and standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records of quality control activities, including test results, inspection reports, and SAP master data.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and regulations related to food safety and quality control to ensure Statutory requirements, Quality procedures & Food safety / GMP / GDP standards, Responsible care, Insurance requirements, and Company policy statements including employment and disciplinary procedures are adhered to.
• Support internal audits to assess compliance with quality control procedures and identify areas for improvement.
• Support Certification audits e.g. ISO, site management for external audits and inspections by regulatory agencies or customers.
• Support Commercial team with Kosher and Halal Audits.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the quality of incoming raw materials and ingredients.
• Support the regulatory department on answering technical questions from customers.
• Manage third party service providers with respect to testing and service provision.
• Ensure that risk assessments (e.g. COSHH) for lab activities are in place and reviewed as per requirements.
• Ensure all laboratory and production staff adhere to site PPE requirements.
• Support site safety agenda with regards to meetings, risk assessments and training requirements.

Responsibilities for Food Safety, IPEC compliance

We Are Looking For

• Previous team management experience.
• A scientific qualification (ideally Chemistry) or can demonstrate experience in a similar role and have capability to handle analytical chemistry techniques and apparatus.
• Strong IT, organisational and admin skills.
• Versatile interpersonal skills.
• The confidence to communicate to a variety of people.

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives - from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 10,000 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe!

We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges and respects the unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise of every employee. Through our dedicated Employee Resource Networks, we provide the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry while making a difference in our communities.

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.