REPORTING TO:                     Ardin Backous, Ag Products Testing Business Unit Manager

 WORKING LOCATION:       Des Moines, Iowa

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE :
The Lab Director’s primary responsibility is to ensure clients expectations are met by providing a high-quality sample analysis delivered in a timeline that exceeds market standards. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS:

Continually strive to improve the quality of work we provide to our clients through method development, verification and modification of new and or existing methods for all Business Units with the U.S. Food Division. 

Oversee timely and accurate analysis of samples to meet customer commitments.  This includes, but is not limited to, sample preparation for sample analysis, data review and reduction, and providing data interpretations and opinion.

Oversee daily lab operations including:   employee leadership, process control, continuous quality improvement, innovation through information technology.  Ensure all regulatory procedures pertaining to sample testing are followed correctly.

Responsible for the supervision, organization, and coordination of all technical activities of personnel within the principles of sound scientific endeavors, business economy, and the professional development of subordinate employees.

Manage the technical conduct, quality control, and related record keeping of all analytical evaluations performed.

Provide the necessary planning, organization, direction, and control to meet the goals of the company.

Ensure that all pertinent company health, safety, and environmental programs are adhered to and documentation is maintained.

Establish and maintain professional business relationships with clients, industry officials, and peers.

Assist in the generation of marketing strategies.  Create and review literature for marketing new methods and instrument capabilities to clients.

Responsible for the operational success of the laboratory, which includes, but is not limited to:  budgeting, making decisions on capital expenses, attending to major client needs, revenue & profit growth, and cost control. 

Represent the laboratory in technical meetings.

Participate with the Sales/Marketing team in the preparation and quotation of major technical studies.

Ensure that the laboratory expenses are on track with the annual budget.

Approve laboratory expenses and control the costs of the laboratory within established company guidelines.

Analyze monthly Key Performance Indicators (turn around time, productivity, etc.).

Verify that company employment policies and procedures are followed correctly.

Perform annual performance reviews for direct reporting personnel.  Coordinate and review annual reviews of other lab personnel.

Handle employee relation issues as per company guidelines and with the support of Human Resources.

Coordinate the interaction between the different laboratory departments.

Understand and follow each Quality System document relevant to employment responsibilities, e.g., methods, SOPs, etc.  Propose changes to documents and approve documents when required.

Other duties as assigned.

REASONING ABILITY:

Must be able to work with people, negotiate, analyze problems, and translate company goals into actions necessary to achieve those goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Science or related field, PhD or Masterspreferred, and 5 – 7 years of applicable and progressively expanded laboratory experience with at least 5 years of supervisory experience.  Strong technical and management background required.

Experience in laboratory procedures, data analysis, computer operations, mathematics, and technical/business writing.  Proven ability to work in a cGMP environment.

Knowledge and experience of ISO systems 

Must be able to organize and lead laboratory personnel in a manner that reflects corporate goals and objectives and schedule workflow so as to optimize laboratory productivity and client satisfaction in a cost effective manner. 

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Responsive problem solver and action oriented.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.  Laboratory setting that involves glassware, hazardous chemicals, and others working in close proximity.