ABBOTT LABORATORIES Analytical Lab Front Line Leader (2nd Shift-B) Salary in the United States

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE

Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the quality system.

·Responsible for the overall results for a single shift of a 7-day multi shift laboratory operation; Coordinate activities for the shift team to ensure delivery of all key performance metrics including those in EHS, Quality, Finance, Productivity and People.

·Lead efforts required to deliver quality and compliance performance for the shift. Initiate, manage, and make decisions which impact product quality.

·Manage budget accountability for Headcount, Overtime, and direct expenses for a shift and/or line. Track, trend and continuously improve budgetary performance for direct expenses, headcount, overtime (OT), lab efficiency, Scrap and Cost Improvement Projects (CIP).

· Drive lab efficiencies and MSP (Master Schedule Performance) performance; understand drivers, and developing and executing plans around improvement of lab performance and quality metrics. Understand all key performance indicators, developing, driving and leading the execution of plans through utilization and involvement of all team and support resources

·Drive a culture of engagement through the team and department. Directly supervises team and participates in staffing activities. Develop all line personnel by securing appropriate training, providing mentoring and assigning progressively challenging stretch responsibilities within the scope of the team and department accountabilities.

Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the quality system.

1. Assist in maintaining an operating budget for the QA laboratories.  Manage to ensure budgetary and staff requirements are properly met.

2. Provide product and manufacturing analytical and microbial support for all manufacturing areas of the site.

3. Interface with Division personnel in the development of analytical and microbiological guidelines and specifications.

4. Manage laboratory personnel, including staffing, performance reviews, and train and develop personnel, and maintain safe lab environment.

5. Administer a technically sound Environmental Monitoring Program, updating as appropriate.

6. Assist in problem solving efforts related to analytical or microbial issues.

7. Direct plant initiated microbiological certification activities resulting from new or modified manufacturing facilities or processes.

8. Interface with Division and Corporate QA, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, Regulatory Affairs and Purchasing to ensure timely completion of project activities.

9. Provide technical guidance and support to plant.

10. Assure lab test results reflect compliance to plant, division, and corporate guidelines and procedures.

11. Assure test methods are followed.

12. Attend plant MBR meetings to communicate and oversee lab issues.

13. Assist in tracking CAPA, CASR and LIR’s for laboratory equipment and facilities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS):

·Model and promote the behaviors that support a continuously improving EHS culture by engaging with employees and other key stakeholders in ensuring all EHS requirements are met inclusive of internal and external regulatory objectives and direction. Coach and direct individuals in delivering EHS performance for themselves, their team and department.

·Preparation and active participation in internal and external EHS audits and incident/accident investigation and reporting; coupled with timely implementation of corrective and preventative actions.

Quality:  

·Model and promote the behaviors that ensure delivery of high-quality products for our customers while maintaining compliance with Abbott policies and procedures, meeting all local and statutory requirements, and adhering to the regulatory requirements of countries to which products are shipped.

·Preparation and active participation in internal and external Quality audits and incident investigation and reporting; coupled with timely implementation of corrective and preventative actions.

-Lead the operation of the Plant Microbiology and Analytical QA Laboratories, comprised of the following functions:

Environmental Monitoring Program, including equipment swabs, air samples, retort cooling water, ingredient water, and product samples. Administrate plant Cleaning Validation activity. Biochemical characterization and identification. Assist and assure that department training needs are being addressed. Raw material, in process, and finished product testing. Methods and procedures are appropriately followed. Learn how to swab and pH test per appropriate policies. Execute department batch audit and release procedures. CAPA activities are followed through to completion.

-Provide direction and technical expertise to Microbiology and Analytical Laboratory personnel and to the plant.

-Provide leadership during problem solving situations related to laboratory issues.

-Comply with Division and Plant procedures and policies.

Finance / Business Acumen:

·Model and promote a thorough understanding of what drives product costs, profitability and cash flow for the shift and within the department, while operating within budget material utilization and Cost Improvement Program goals. Manage budget accountability for Headcount, Overtime, and direct expenses for a shift and/or line. Track, trend and continuously improve budgetary performance for direct expenses, headcount, overtime (OT), and Scrap and Cost Improvement Projects (CIP).

·Understand financial statements, key performance measures, and provide input for all line budgetary decisions. Develop the skills necessary to manage financial budgetary line items involving headcount management, overtime, and scrap reduction. Share in the preparation of the annual budget and any updating reviews.

·Direct Financial accountability up to $ 2MM USD

Productivity:

·Promote and Drive continuous improvement programs utilizing common problem solving tools and methodologies in processes and procedures within the shift/ operating line/ department for root cause analysis and resolution of issues. 

·Actively plan and organize the day to day laboratory operations and schedules.

·Anticipate and drive proper alignment and prioritization between the lab and production teams

People:

·Model and promote organizational values by providing effective leadership, direction, development and support to the team.

·Assure team members are trained and understand duties, responsibilities, and performance against established expectations.

·Provide timely coaching, counseling and feedback. 

·Develop all line personnel by securing appropriate training, providing mentoring and assigning progressively challenging stretch responsibilities within the scope of the team and department accountabilities.

·Engage in drafting own goals, lead the process of development of team goals and growth planning. Create a learning environment and support individuals learning and development plans.

·Ensure delivery of effective performance management while establishing and sustaining a positive work environment.

·Execution of on time performance reviews for direct reports

·Establish a communications framework that assures timely and relevant transfer of information to and from all levels and functional areas of the organization.

·Ensure compliance with all HR practices, policies and procedures.

·Understand and effectively use the rewards and recognition programs. 

·Champion positive employee relations by maintaining a high profile presence on the floor, direct engagement with employees, regular open communications and encouraging knowledge sharing and open exchange of ideas.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science, food technology, technical

Experience/Background

Minimum 2 years

2-4 years of experience in a laboratory in a regulated industry with preference being for food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, etc.

Skills Required:

·Good oral and written communication skills;

·Demonstrated problem-solving skills;

·Computer skills (MS Office)

·Time management skills; priority management skills

·Working knowledge of Green Belt/ Lean Six Sigma Tools

Background / Experience Required:

·Able to work a 2nd shift 12-hour rotation including weekends

·Prior experience a high-volume manufacturing support laboratory

·Demonstrated leadership skills

·Knowledge of project planning tools and experience using them

·Proven plant financial understanding

·Experience working with and implementing Continuous Improvement projects

Preferred:

·Previous experience working in a laboratory in a regulated manufacturing work environment with emphasis on infant formula manufacturing experience

·Experience utilizing project planning and execution tools

·Knowledge of FDA – 21 CFR and other regulatory requirements for Infant Formula

Accountability / Scope/Budget:

·This position reports directly to the Site Quality Assurance Manager. 

·This position will require some general direction and supervision from direct manager; with key decisions being made in collaboration with direct manager and peer group. The Front Line Leader I will initially be learning through the direct coaching of management the leadership requirements to become competent in delivering organizational results in all key performance areas. He/She will develop the competence to lead their shift team in consistently meeting all organizational expectations of a Front Line shift team. Works with their direct manager to identify change opportunities and effectively manage these to positive outcomes for individuals, team, laboratory and the business.

·Leadership in this role will primarily be focused on the direct reporting group with support from the direct manager, as required. Focus is on day to day operations, with short term focus based on meeting requirements that are tactical versus strategic. 

·Manage and guide a team(s) of lab associates to improve quality and increase productivity of the lab. Communicates to laboratory associates daily while maintaining a constant lab presence. Maintains a safe work environment with 100% training and compliance to applicable procedures.

·Coordinates activities related to shift starts and changes. Leads and coordinates daily activities of the shift team to meet daily requirements that positively impact the lab results.  Working with their direct manager, other Front Line Leaders and other management, will establish the right team culture where people feel empowered, are accountable for the business and continuously improving the shift and the lab. Communicates with other departments and functions as needed in support of meeting operational objectives.

·Interprets and executes policies that affect work processes and personnel within the assigned organizational unit.

·Manages personnel and processes to ensure laboratory meets all associated quality standards.

·Financial management for the laboratory by managing headcount utilization, direct expenses and scrap. This list is not all inclusive.

·Promote team, department and site goals through team communications and providing direction and guidance towards achievement.

·Active participation in team and department projects including responsibility for execution of assigned actions. 

·Track, trend & report on established KPI's; communicating to functional manager and site leadership team on accomplishments, opportunities for improvement and planned actions.

·Follows escalation reporting process with inputs from peers/manager for decision making as required. Make and communicate decisions that are appropriate for level of accountability.

·Budgetary accountability is limited – $2MM USD.

Note: This job description is not to be considered an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional duties for this role.