Danone Specialized Nutrition is launching a major greenfield investment to build our next‑generation liquid nutrition facility. The Quality Lead – Laboratory Implementation is a  newly created position responsible for establishing, qualifying and validating all equipment and processes related to a new laboratory to support our new liquid nutrition facility.

A key project team member they are accountable for the Laboratory and QMS readiness, commissioning, qualification and validation activities, ensuring the Laboratory reaches validated status and audit ready for ISO17025 and local DAFM authorities from day 1 commercial production. 

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Set – Up & Readiness: Lead the design, commissioning, and start up of a new Greenfield Quality Control Laboratories containing a new microbiology, nutritional and sensory lab.
• Provide regular updates on lab progress and validation status to the Project Director, Factory Director and Global QFS Director.
• Ensure Lab Layouts are fully in compliance with Layout, zoning, workflow, QFS, GMP, and cross-contamination control requirements as per the ISO 17025 requirements and internal Danone standards
• Engage and align with Danone Global Analytical Excellence team who is a key internal stakeholder for the design and validation of both a new lab and equipment.
• Define and implement equipment URS – Qualification and Validation documentation for Laboratory instruments
• Develop and lead the validation and verification plan for all new methods with a phased implementation approach lab should be ready in advance of commercial start up to support wider project validation.
• Coordinate and execute relevant testing to support the wider project equipment and product validation as needed  with input of wider project team.
• Analytical Methods and Performance: Implement QC Systems, reference materials, controls, and trend analysis/review
• Integrate and automate all data recording accurately within the Danone Systems: Bambo (LIMS) and SAP Interfaces
• Team & Capability Building: Recruit, train and qualify laboratory teams for start up and steady state operation acting as coach and subject matter expert for lab and validation topics.
• Build an efficient and lean Working Schedule for the Laboratory teams, with competency frameworks, training matrices, and method qualification in place before first commercial production
• Build up specific and measurable KPIs to track performance of laboratories and product deviations SPC
• Planning and coordinating the testing requirements and prioritising work in line with business needs

Functional Competencies: 

• Professional manager and leader with the highest standards of integrity
• Qualified in Chemistry, Microbiology (Sterility Testing Techniques), Food Science or related disciplines with experience in Manufacturing Industries such as food or pharmaceutical, aseptic liquids experience would be a distinct plus
• Strong experience in Laboratory Start-Ups, developing and implementing QMS, Validation (from URS to Qualification and method validation
• Experience in building teams, coaching and driving performance
• Audit experience, regulatory, certification, third party and/or internal intercompany audits
• Entrepreneur who seeks out continuous improvements
• Excellent project manager who delivers the highest quality results within budget and on time
• Strong work ethic required with evident enthusiasm for the role
• A team player who can galvanise support for achieving key objectives
• Capable of taking the lead in change and seeking out improvements
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of employees
• Mature and stable personality who can manage stressful and challenging environments
• Strong support for high quality and hygiene standards
• Logical and methodical approach to work practices and processes
• Good reporting writing and numerical skills
• Clear thinking individual who can resolve issues on their feet, decisive personality
• The ability to communicate clear objectives and motivate staff to achieve more is the key to success for this role

   

Education & Experience: 

• Third Level Qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biotechnology or equivalent required.
• Ideally 8-10 years of experience with a minimum of 5 + years experience in a Laboratory environment in the food/pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is required
• Previous experience of leading the development of a Greenfield or Brownfield laboratory is an advantage
• ISO 17025 experience is preferred
• Previous experience of leading the development of a laboratory is an advantage
• Strong knowledge of quality and food safety legislation and regulatory requirements
• Proven track record in over achieving KPI’s and Operational Targets
• LIMS/SAP experience highly desirable
• Computer Skills essential, Microsoft Office etc.
• Proficient numerical ability to record, interpret and analyse key process data
• Proven problem solving and troubleshooting skills

Danone is a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with market leading brands across four divisions: Essential Dairy and Plant Based Products, Waters, Specialised Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. Specialised Nutrition offers nutritional solutions with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals, from the first day of pregnancy into old age. We are looking for high calibre, dedicated and experienced personnel to complement our existing workforce.

At Danone we are passionate in our commitment to sustainability with the belief in building a healthier future through food. Our eating and drinking choices have an impact on our own health, the health of our society and the health of our planet. 

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Please note, owing to the high volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.