Danone Specialized Nutrition is launching a major greenfield investment to build our next‑generation liquid nutrition facility. The Quality Lead – Laboratory and Validation newly created position is responsible for establishing, qualifying and validating all laboratory, analytical and process-related quality systems essential for successful new plant start – up, ensuring full compliance with Danone Standards Q&FS, regulatory, and validation requirements prior to and after commercial production. Accountable for 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 Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Laboratory Set – Up & Readiness: Lead the design, commissioning, and start up of Quality Control Laboratories
• 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 align with Danone Analytical Excellence requirements
• Define and implement equipment URS – Qualification and Validation documentation for Laboratory instruments
• Analytical Methods and Performance: Implement QC Systems, reference materials, controls, and trend analysis/review
• Quality Systems & Governance: Embed Change Control, Deviation and Risk Management and Compliant and non-conformance handling – using best practices from existing Danone Plants.
• Integrate and automate all data recording accurately within the Danone Systems: Bambo 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
• Liaising with the PLT in the day-to-day activities including the reporting of results in advance of daily operational meetings, Engineering & Project Teams, Danone Analytical Excellence team, External Danone Approve Laboratories and Regulatory Authorities/Certification bodies.
• Leading the Laboratory team to optimise their personal development, skills, competency, performance and efficiency
• Co-ordinate Laboratory proficiency schemes and carrying our periodic Performance Development Reviews
• Co-ordinate the collection of samples and despatch of same to 3rd party labs
• Work with Grading Officer to ensure BP QC release and grading is completed in accurately and efficiently
• Plan and lead Laboratory infrastructure type projects as required
• Responsible for Danone Internal Controls as assigned to you by the Internal Controller
• Interface with HR in relation to employee relations issues
• Update relevant HR systems for Laboratory team on a weekly basis
• Contribute to the overall department performance plan in the areas of Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Motivation and Nature.
• Drive correct usage, maintenance and development of all Laboratory systems

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
• 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 inter company 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

Knowledge, Skills & Experience: 

• 3 years + experience in a Quality Management Environment/Laboratories/Validation role in the food/pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is required
• Third level qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology or equivalent required
• 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.