Lab Manager

Job description / Role

- To own & drive a strategy for the Laboratory:
- For Technical Excellence by the development of laboratory solutions, protocols and capabilities;
- Superior service for internal & external stakeholders;
- For becoming a potential profit centre by provision of testing & advisory services to customers & other external entities.
- Conduct regular management reviews to determine service delivery, capability, compliance performance to drive continual improvement;
- Develop a Laboratory information management system to allow proper statistical data analyses and visibility.
- Development and maintenance of laboratory systems to achieve the ISO 17025 standard.
- Development of a fit & equipped talent pool in the laboratory function to deliver on operational and strategic dimensions of the Agri Business Division.
- Lead, direct and develop the Laboratory Team.
- Investigate & implement new programs, tests, sampling methods & protocols, instrumentation, and procedures;
- Ensure future lines and processes will be integrated into laboratory operations;
- Ensure constant updating of lab methods and practices in collaboration with R&D (where appropriate) and the Scientific Advisory Committee;
- Ensure day to day operation of laboratory provides effective & continuous service ensuring full QA and specification compliance of all raw materials and packaging upon receipt & during storage as well as process samples and finished products;
- Ensure laboratory methods and practices reliability benchmarked against worldwide standards including parallel testing (Proficiency Testing) for all key test methods;
- Network across other laboratories in the Group to share knowledge and capability including investigating any rationalisation potential with other Agthia laboratories;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken to address the Laboratory Non-conformances and Corrective & Preventive Actions.
- Maintain preventive maintenance programme for all Laboratory equipment, ensuring instrument performance and minimising breakdowns. Arranging equipment replacement as required.
- Contribute to monthly Quality workshops.
- Attending relevant site meetings.
- Compliance with internal and external standards (including Regulatory, GAFTA, AOAC, AACC, ICC, ISO Laboratory procedures, CODEX, EU Food Standards, FDA Standards).

Requirements

- Bachelor degree (e.g. Science, Engineering or Agriculture)
- Minimum 8 years experience in a Food Manufacturing Laboratory of which at least 2 are in Supervisory or Management roles

Functional Knowledge:
- Scientific knowledge;
- Laboratory Management;
- Quality Assurance;
- Health, Safety & Environment (this is an advantage)

About the Company

Agthia Group is a leading Abu Dhabi based food and beverage company established in 2004. The Company is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and has the symbol Agthia. 51 percent of the Company’s shares are held by General Holding Corporation, an Abu Dhabi Government entity, with the balance held by individual and institutional investors.

The Company’s assets are located in the UAE, Egypt and Turkey. Agthia offers a world class portfolio of integrated businesses providing high quality, trusted and innovative food and beverage products for customers and consumers across the UAE, GCC, Turkey and the wider Middle East.