The QC Microbiology Team Leader will assist the QC Microbiology Laboratory Manager in leading the Microbiology team in the development and delivery of a robust and streamlined process that ensures Nutricia Liverpool delivers products of consistent, specified quality and uncompromising safety in line with Danone Specialised Nutrition Quality ambition. To help build relationships both internally and externally that challenge and support technical excellence.

Responsible for the workload organisation, technical support and daily operation of the Microbiology laboratory in relation to testing regimen and assist in all aspects of supervisory and training requirement within the cell.

Responsible for driving continuous improvement and a Right First Time culture throughout the organisation.

Responsible for managing direct reports to achieve the operational and strategic ambition of the department. Accountable for driving growth within the team through individual development plans.

Main Responsibilities & KPI’s

• Drive a systematic workflow to ensure all samples are tested, reported and processed in a timely whilst maintaining the prescribed KPI’s.
• Ensure all Routine Microbiological analysis performed are by established SOP’s and all personnel have the relevant training before proceeding.
• Sample review and release criteria – car performed when required
• Manage SIM 3 meetings
• Ownership of area regarding equipment servicing and calibrations
• Contact for audit and contractor purposes 
• Routine Microbiology analysis by established SOP’s
• Escalate any immediate concerns relating to delays, retest and abnormal results to the QC Microbiology Laboratory Manager or QC Manager, who will advise on appropriate next steps
• Problem solving and anticipate issues
• Implement continuous improvements programs  
• Comply with Health and Safety Standards including participation in audits
• Participate in Audits throughout i.e GLP & DGMP
• Anticipate problems and put in place corrective actions
• Perform all methods with regards to GMP and GLP observing SOP’s at all times
• Complete cleaning to a high standard as per the SOP
• Perform weekly environments monitoring for the micro lab
• Responsible for training team members to acceptable competence levels
• Assist laboratory manager and technical managers in the capacity as a technical specialist providing advice and technical detail for routine analysis and validations
• Undertake training as required by Nutricia
• Responsibility for assigned equipment methods, their maintenance and calibration
• Responsible for out of specification results and investigations with re-testing samples and root cause analysis
• Assisting in the introduction and validation of new methods and equipment
• Participation in PT scheme
• Maintenance of stock/consumables including stock rotation, ordering and delivery
• Responsible for analysis and reporting of results of all finished products, intermediates, raw material and ad hoc samples according to DANONE Medical standards and requirements.
• Accountable for the ongoing development and improvement of microbiology methodology in support of method development team. Ensuring a robust documented system is in place and fully traceable at all times.
• Responsible for ensuring any overdue or delayed workflows are promptly resolved or escalated to QC Microbiology Laboratory Manager, where a resolution cannot be immediately sought

Education & Professional Experiences Needed:

• English speaking 

• Relevant academic qualifications/experience in Pharma or FMCG environment

• Capable of working on multiple priorities and setting targets and timeframes

• Project management skills

• Adaptable enough to work in an environment that changes / challenges daily

• Ability to work in a pressurised, heavily targeted and measured environment

Technical Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of Quality Systems (LIMS, Q-Pulse) and processes
• Accustomed with physical processing of food ingredients, especially dry powder and liquids including PCR analysis
• Good analytical and technical capabilities
• Presentation skills
• Problem solving skills
• General computer skills
• Ability follow & adhere to SOP’s and detailed instruction

Managerial Competencies and Personal Skills Needed

• Committed
  • Inspire & be the vision
  • Commit to create breakthrough result

• Open:
  • Good listener
  • Ability to give open and constructive feedback
  • Proximity to all levels and functions
  • Open and willing to share ideas
  • Inquisitive
  • Good net-worker and collaborator with other functions & sites and the external world

• Doer
  • Delivering on promises
  • Taking responsibility take initiatives and measured risks
  • Decision making
  • Agile and pragmatic
  • Complex problem solving
  • Big picture thinking
  • Managing complexity
• Empowered
  • Empowering self and teams
  • Coaching and development of people
  • Coach-able and willingness to learn and develop

• Self
  • Be aware of teams and other’s Insights and use each other’s preferences
  • Maintain own emotional balance, even under stress and pressure
  • Grows from setbacks and leverages mistakes as an opportunity for learning

• Exposure at all levels and multiple functions within Quality Department  
• The role allows the opportunity to directly contribute to the growth and development of a team
• Highly traversal role which gives a wide breadth of development opportunity, working actively with most of the companies function (operations, Supply Chains, NPD etc