This is a great opportunity to join Eurofins Food Testing division working within the Microbiology team as a Quality Manager. The purpose of this role will be to be responsible for adherence to the quality systems and the requirement of all accreditation statuses for the relevant laboratories. To inspire and drive a culture of outstanding quality to exceed the requirements of our customers and embrace our core organisational values.
Please note this is a full time role working 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday 09:00 till 17:00. This role has the flexibility to be hybrid.
Responsible for the maintenance of UKAS accreditation (and other accreditations where appropriate) for the Laboratories (ISO 17025). Ensure that the requirements of UKAS, business and customers are met within the scope of the accredited laboratory.
Act as the contact for UKAS on all matters of accreditation relating to testing for the laboratory.
To attend external audits by UKAS, other regulatory bodies and customers and to ensure that corrective actions are completed and submitted to the relevant body within the timescale required.
Report up to Head of Quality, without delay, any issues affecting quality in the laboratories.
Support the individual departments/site with preparation of validation plans and reports, procedures and other documentation and submissions for Extension to Scope.
Ensure that the Quality Manual and associated procedures and documents, including laboratory methods are maintained up to date, reflect current practice and group objectives for the relevant accreditations. Amendment and re-issue of all documentation as necessary.
Lead internal auditing to ensure it is carried out effectively and in accordance with audit plans.
Monitor nonconformities raised, ensure timely and effective corrective actions. Escalate progress on nonconformities and corrective actions to Site Managers in a timely manner. Manage all recording of NCW for adherence with requirements of ISO 17025.
Responsible for annual Quality Management Reviews and Monthly Quality Meetings with Laboratory Management in the relevant areas ensuring that outcomes are effectively managed and progressed.
Train laboratory staff in quality inductions, ISO17025, relevant retailer requirements and auditing where applicable.
Support with timely investigation of customer complaints and other sources of non-conforming work.
Review overall performance in Internal and External QA across the laboratories and along with senior staff, initiate and support with investigations into failures, trend and bias to establish root cause, impact on customer results and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
To liaise with 3rd party suppliers on relevant areas i.e. calibration supplier.
Delivery of continuous improvement in laboratory processes, customer service, quality, safety, etc. with a key focus on efficiency, cost and timeliness.
Assess key operational risks and take action to mitigate them.
Build relationships with laboratory staff; engage laboratory staff in the purpose, their responsibilities and use of the quality system; consult and communicate change to staff.
Attendance at Departmental Quality Meetings as required – these maybe held on site where you are based or other Eurofins sites across the UK.
Provide monthly Quality KPI report to the General Manager, Head of Quality & Technical and Group Quality Manager
To assist in maintaining accreditation at other Eurofins sites and any other duties necessary to ensure the quality of results and service to the customers as designated by the Group Quality Manager/ Head of Quality & Technical.
Responsible for promoting a professional image of the Company and for complying with the company's Equal Opportunities and Harassment Policies at all times, including work related events which take place outside normal working hours.
Read and comply with company rules, procedures, agreements and any notices displayed by the Company.
Responsible for updating monthly group Quality Metrics.
Act as a deputy to the Group Quality Manager as and when required.
Qualifications
Degree in chemistry /microbiology or related discipline and relevant experience of quality systems.
Excellent working knowledge of Food Microbiology / chemistry laboratories accredited to ISO17025.
Experience working in a laboratory within a quality role.
Experience of working in a UKAS accredited laboratory.
Good IT skills, word, excel, LIMS & pivot tables.
Excellent analytical skills.
Good auditing skills e.g. not swayed, or diverted, be inquisitive etc.
Must have a ‘can do’ attitude and be able to deliver change through people management skills.