Laboratory Manager

Job description / Role

Objectives:
- Develop, review & implement overall laboratory policies, procedures & services.
- Ensure efficient & effective departmental operations & compliance adherence with International best practice & standards.
- Provide internal and external analytical testing services to support business and customers requirements.

Main responsibilities:

Strategic:
- Lead, directs and develop the Laboratory Supervisors.
- Maintains laboratory information system by identifying information needs & problems; recommending improvements; establishing priorities; testing; training employees; maintaining security & confidentiality.
- Development and maintenance of laboratory systems to achieve the ISO 17025 standard.
- Promote and manage analytical Laboratory services to external Third Party Customer.
- Compliance with internal and external standards (including Regulatory, GAFTA, AOAC, AACC, ICC, ISO Laboratory procedures, CODEX, EU Food Standards, FDA Standards).

Laboratory responsibilities:
- Maintains laboratory staff results by counselling & disciplining employees; planning & monitoring & appraising job results.
- Implements new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures by investigating alternatives; preparing proposals;
- Develop and manage Laboratory Analytical service to external Third party customers.
- Developing & performing parallel testing (Proficiency Testing); monitoring progress.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken to address the Non-conformances and Corrective & Preventive Actions.
- Ensure instrument performance; arranging equipment replacement, service & repair.
- Participate in monthly Quality workshops.
- Attending relevant site meetings.
- Implement & maintain control of any chemical hazards found in the laboratory ensuring risks is mitigated thru control measures.

HSE (Health, Safety & Environment ) responsibilities:
- Ensure the safety of the design of all laboratory equipment as well as the laboratory safe practices.


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Production responsibilities:
- Support continuous improvement programs in conjunction with production team.
- Ensure that testing is done in an efficient way & laboratory results are provided in a timely manner
- Provide technical recommendations in issues concerning testing of materials / products.
- Provide an administrative support for the operations by acting as a Manager on call.

Cost responsibilities:
- Maintain laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine the inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing & expediting orders for supplies.
- Responsible for ensuring laboratory is run in a cost effective manner

Delivery responsibilities:
- Provide technical support to customers & sales team.

Reporting to: Quality & HSE Manager
Duration: Full Time Employee
Probation: 6 months

Requirements

- Relevant degree (e.g. Science, Engineering or Agriculture)
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in a Food Manufacturing Laboratory of which at least 3 are in Supervisory or Management roles.

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

Job-Specific Skills:
- Strong customer focus coupled with networking & interpersonal skills;
- Understanding products and significance of tests conducted.
- Manage and maintain cross functional relationships.
- Presentation and communication skills including high fluency in English. Some ability in Arabic or Indian language 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.