Laboratory Manager

Company and Location: ArraTipp – Nenagh/Tipperary, County Tipperary, Ireland

Job Purpose: To manage and coordinate laboratory activities and ensure all finished products are released against specification.

Reporting To: Group Technical Manager

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• Manage all finished product & in-process testing for Microbiology, Milk Intake and Chemistry laboratories across business manufacturing sites (Nenagh & Tipperary).
  
• Manage technician competency to ensure test methods, procedures and results are accurate and reported in a timely manner to all relevant stakeholders.
  
• Manage the laboratory team staffing, work rosters, payroll system & holidays. Ensure the quality of daily work is maintained to a high standard at all times and work is suitably allocated to all technicians.
  
• Manage team training and development. Document Training plans for staff so all tests are adequately covered to ensure business continuity and testing roles are rotated to maximise testing capability.
  
• Management of results reporting.
  
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  • Monitoring and trending of test data to demonstrate compliance and to identify issues as they arise.
    
  • Ensure all products are updated in LIMS and customer portals in a timely and efficient manner.
    
  • Daily test result review to identify cut‑off testing to maximise product release/minimise downgrades.
    
  
  
• Developing and changing of in‑house lab procedures as appropriate.
  
• Developing expertise and understanding of current and future analytical techniques, assist in the planning and implementation of investment.
  
• Plan and develop strategies to achieve better efficiency and flow of product.
  
• Management of the receipt and dispatch of samples to achieve sampling schedules.
  
• Ensure timely and efficient release of product.
  
• Track downgrades to ensure all issues are communicated to the relevant stakeholders.
  
• Implement a Laboratory Accreditation system for formal recognition of laboratory competency.
  
• Maintain consumables stocks within budget and ensure the team utilises site systems for purchasing and processing all relevant paperwork in a timely fashion.
  
• Facilitate team meetings with the entire laboratory team to foster effective teamwork.
  
• Ensure laboratory instrument calibrations & proficiency testing are carried out on schedule.
  
• Maintain satisfactory environmental conditions suitable for the accurate and reliable analysis of samples, while protecting the health and safety of all lab employees.
  
• Manage health & safety in the lab, carrying out risk assessments and identifying areas for improvement.
  
• Lead projects and attend industry workshops where relevant to business needs.
  

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• Degree in Microbiology / Science / Food Science / Chemistry and/or related disciplines.
  
• 5+ years of people‑management experience with strong quality management in the dairy industry, cheese industry, infant formula or wider food industries.
  
• Must have significant laboratory expertise and/or experience in a similar role within the food manufacturing industry.
  
• Organised with attention to detail.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate technical information effectively.
  
• Personal effectiveness in coordination, planning and organising work and projects.
  
• Ability to multi‑task.
  
• Managing through systems. xcfaprz
  
• Good prioritisation capability and comfortable adapting to meet production needs.