Laboratory Manager

Quality Laboratory Manager (2-2-3 Schedule, A.M/P.M Coverage) Peace River Citrus Products, Inc. – Clower Facility POSITION SUMMARY: The position ensures that product, packaging and process norms comply with quality and food safety standards for the company’s beverage base blending/packaging facility located in Bartow, FL. Reporting to the Quality & Food Safety Manager, this supervisory role includes assisting the Department Manager and QC Department team in meeting departmental expectations; such as supervising personnel, assisting during audits, overseeing work flows in the lab, instrumentation performance and supporting Plant goals. This position is a back-up for the PCQI, all Lab Leads, Lab Scientist and Quality Control Specialists. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership, technical support and oversight to the Lab Leads, Lab Scientist, PCQIs, and quality control specialists.
• Knows and understands lab instrumentation, lab functions, and techniques to identify issues and trouble shoot events & problems to the completion of work assignments.
• Become familiar with, and adhere to, requirements as documented in SOPs for Good Manufacturing Practices and the Food Safety & Quality Plan
• Prepares and reviews Protocols, Reports, Development report, Change controls as well as quality control Specifications & test methods.
• Supervises laboratory functions and employee’s performance through training, development, coaching, evaluations and Plan execution, including consumable expenses.
• Supports formulation activities and associated personnel and performance (training, development, and Plan execution).
• Develops teamwork and communication skills through active listening and honest dialog with peers and supervisors.
• Communicates effectively with internal team personnel, as well as external teams.
• Oversees timesheet approvals and schedules.
• Verifies and validates product quality, food safety, water treatment, EMP and sanitation programs operate effectively per procedures, and utilizes analytical data to evaluate patterns and trends.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Systems team and oversees processes that deliver compliance towards GFSI certification (currently FSSC 22000 and ISO9001).

• Ensures products and protocols satisfy requirements of certification programs (Kosher, Organic, USAD-QAP), customer validations, sensory program, as well as, Customers ‘ annual sampling programs.

• Monitors QC Lead activities. Fills in for Lead, Scientist, and QA Specialist unavailable.

• Comply with FDA, USDA, Florida Department of Agriculture, and GMP policies. Perform all tasks in a safe manner to ensure achievement of Quality, Food Safety, and Cost objectives. Comply with all standard operating procedures and requirements under PRCP Quality System.
• Participate in the quality improvement process, and product commercialization.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering or similar biological sciences.

• 5 years related experience (food/beverage manufacturing) or equivalent.
• Thorough understanding of Juice HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs and government/industry food safety and quality regulations, codes, and standards.
• Thorough understanding and work experience with Organic, USDA-QAP, and GFSI programs.
• Demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating coworkers and others in line positions.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.
• Comfortable and capable seeing the big picture; able to think conceptually and strategically, yet deliver measurable results as a “hands-on” contributor.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written/verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Basic competence in duties and tasks of supervised employees.
• Ability to work with all levels of management.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work in hot and cold environments, including freezers and high altitude platforms.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Power Point, Access, Word applications, SAP®, Google® sheets and IQS Infinity.
• Bi-lingual a plus.

Peace River Citrus Products offers employees a competitive salary and an excellent benefit package that includes; Medical/Dental, Life, LTD, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Profit Sharing, and 401k with match. Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Workplace