Direct, coordinate, and supervise laboratory Feed, Forage, and Environmental production activities. This position is a working supervisor who is responsible for their own limited production as well as the productivity of the department. This position is responsible for training, auditing, and developing team members as well as ensuring all technicians maintain the expected turnaround, maintenance, and quality standards.
Essential Job Results:
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Responsibilities • Regularly evaluate staffing needs with the Lab Manager and HR to effectively meet expected volume and productivity objectives. • Partner with QA/QC Manager to ensure written comprehensive standard operating procedures are kept and updated as needed. • Identify strategies and objectives for productivity improvement, whether related to people, equipment, or creativity. • Ensure that all tests and analysis are performed in accordance with established procedures. • Work in conjunction with the animal nutritionist to ensure timely reporting and accurate results. • Assist Animal Nutritionist on reading and reviewing results.
Operational and Management Responsibilities
Operational • Provide overall leadership and direction to the testing operations functions while maintaining a work environment that promotes productivity, cooperation, and creativity. • Manage and coordinate workflow to ensure efficient operations. • Maintain a working inventory for the tests that are under the purview of the department. Monthly inventory completed by date set forth by Lab Manager • Ensure that all test results are reported promptly and accurately, and that any necessary documentation is maintained in accordance with established procedures. • Actively participate in leadership meetings, with productive communication and open mindedness to change. • Work in conjunction with the QA/QC, Animal Nutritionist, and the Lab Manager to ensure proper procedures are being followed. • Set goals: establish goals for subordinates and facilitate ability to complete goals. • Keep laboratory manager informed of equipment failures, process bottle necks, and supply shortages. • Plan, prepare, and delegate where necessary to see department goals through to completion.
Leadership • Provide overall leadership and direction to the testing operation functions while maintaining a work environment that promotes accountability, productivity, cooperation, and creativity. • Manage and coordinate workflow to ensure efficient operations while meeting the standard turnaround time. • Creates performance appraisals for subordinates and incorporates them into annual merit increases. • Delivers quarterly performance reviews and periodic touch points on goals, action items, and development plans. • Partner and collaborate with Lab Manager and HR on any necessary progressive discipline. • Coordinate workload and assignments to ensure the turnaround time standard is met for the volume of work. • Communicate with a positive impact, align, and aspire with company values, vision, and mission, as well as operating with a business perspective. • Inspire and motivate growth in others through leading by example, taking initiative, accomplishing goals, and celebrating success. • Collaboration with other departments on processes and efficiency in the lab.
Staff Related and Training Responsibilities • Set and enforce schedules, deadlines, objectives, and milestones for laboratory personnel. • Ensures employees receive essential training and adequate resources to provide high quality service, safely and efficiently. • Work with Lab Manager and QA Manager to coordinate cross training to ensure a minimum of two individuals can always maintain productivity and quality standards for each workstation. • Ensure that all required records are maintained accurately and that required forms are submitted correctly and timely. • Relay pertinent information from company meetings, leadership meetings, and other company announcements to team members. • Maintain confidentiality: respect information established and discussed in leadership meetings. • Create and communicate effective back up plans in the case of absence, of self and team.
External Relationship Responsibilities • Ensures the company maintains collaborative working relationships with partner agencies and stakeholders. • Assists in promoting the organization through participation in community events, media campaigns, and other public relations activities. • Participate and attend tradeshows, educational events, and external meeting opportunities. • Align and Aspire: positively promote the organization by aligning with company values and mission. Aspire to obtain an in-depth knowledge of organization, industry, and its customers.
Success Factors • Strong leadership skills based on confidence, competence, and ability to provide mentoring and support to others. • Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills, with ability to work with a wide variety of individuals and personalities in an honest way that exhibits integrity. • A strategic thinker who develops appropriate methods to increase lab productivity while understanding both the scientific basis and the business needs. • A positive attitude and strong work ethic with the ability to work effectively within the values, structure, and mission of the organization. • Detail oriented while maintaining a "big picture" outlook. • Excellent organizational skills as there are many deadlines and multiple responsibilities. • Must have an extensive technical understanding of the testing methods and equipment.
Specific Qualifications • At least 3 years of progressive technical experience in a Lab setting, and or the agricultural testing industry. • Strong Laboratory Science, chemistry, biology, and leadership skills and background preferred. • Demonstrated supervisory and leadership abilities with evidence of increasing responsibility. • Knowledge and skill with basic computing in a Microsoft environment.
No Ward Laboratories employee shall practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, or any other protected condition or status. Employees will be expected to be sensitive and responsive to cultural and other differences in the people they work with and serve.