Lab Technician Lead

Purpose of the Position

Supports the overall daily activities of the quality assurance program and the specialized positions within the department. Leads the daily activities of the quality assurance department by providing oversight to the Laboratory Technicians. Assists in implementing a total quality management program and/or trains others on total quality management.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Non-Exempt position.

Departmental Operational Activities. Trains and oversees the QA Staff at the direction of the Quality Assurance Manager, providing oversight, and guidance to the Quality Assurance Technicians. Open communication with the Quality Assurance Manager, Production Management and Supervision especially regarding problem resolution, corrective and preventive actions.

Conducts in plant analysis and in facility audit of production / quality records as determined by the Quality Manager. Ensures sample collection and analysis for various post process measurements, including primary and secondary packaging, product evaluation, sample library management, collection of samples for product deviation evaluation and the incubation program. Collects samples for outside laboratory analysis and customer positive release program. Responsible for conducting post process examination on samples and reporting all deviations to the Quality Manager.

Administers sample collection in accordance with facility sampling program, including post process panels, external analysis, customer positive release, incubation, product deviations, and sample retains. Responsible for the review of Finished Goods and Raw Material Analysis for compliance. Collaborates with R&D to ensure Finished Product Specifications are up to date and correct.

Reporting, Evaluations & Tests. Inputs Quality line check data, external laboratory results and panel/internal analysis results into the system. Compiles, sorts and verifies accuracy of data to be entered. Conducts required post process evaluations, including standard post process samples, incubation and product deviations. Conducts daily calibrations related to tests performed. Uses a spreadsheet program to enter and save numerical data. Manages information including editing, creating, manipulating, entering and retrieving data from databases. Creates reports to communicate information to other departments.

Conduct routine activities of the Quality Assurance Manager, as requested for support or in their absence. These responsibilities could include product release, report preparation, data entry, meeting participation and other duties that may be required.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Travel is very limited, domestically to and from facilities or work-sites, possibly requiring some overnight stays.

Technical Experience: 2-3 years Quality Assurance or Quality Control experience. Working knowledge of current laboratory procedures, HACCP principles and plant GMPs. Computer skills including functional knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Gmail. Thermal Processing knowledge & double seam knowledge required if the position supports a Pet Food facility.

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing organization.

Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s or 2-year degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field or some college level Science courses (i.e. general chemistry).