Lab Manager (Finance)

De v e l o p s and m a n a ges l a b o r atory t es ti n g se rvi ces (chemistry and/or microbiological) for Simmons . I n t erfaces d i r ec tl y w ith v ar i ous departments throughout the d i vi sions at S i m m ons . Su pp orts p rocessi n g facilities by e n s u ri n g food safet y p rogra m s, regulato ry and customer r eq u i r e m e n ts are b e i ng upheld .

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt Role

Manages Laboratory Testing. Responsible for managing multiple shifts of laboratory operations. Directs the Laboratory Management positions and Laboratory Technicians. Ensures lab personnel are trained to safely handle all biological and chemical hazards used in the laboratory. Works closely with R&D and FSQA divisions to help validate product shelf life, processes and internal testing instruments. Responsible for the Lab P&L. Identifies cost saving opportunities.

Ensures technical information is available to all Simmons divisions . Ensures microbiology and chemistry specifications are correctly linked to products to ensure plants receive timely notifications for deviations from specification. Ensures laboratory results are validated before releasing to customers. Demonstrates an understanding of microbiology and chemistry testing guidelines in FDA BAM, USDA MLG and other applicable agencies. Ensures these are adhered to and that all laboratory methods have AOAC International approval. Leads the management of data sharing files to communicate testing results. Assists in plant audits as necessary and provides timely responses of information requests such as audit support.

Directs people and resources to meet business goals . D i r ec ts and su p e rvi s es e m p lo y ee w or k a c ti vi t i es a n d m o n itors w o r k p e rfor m ance . E ns ures la b orato ry staffing for e v e n i n gs , w ee k e n ds a n d all hol i da y s to m ee t p l a n t p rocessi n g n eeds a n d is a v ai l a b l e to staff dur i ng these ti m es for gu i da n ce . M anage s p eo p l e and r e s ou r ce s to m eet r egu l a to ry r equ i r e m e n ts and e xp ecta tio ns . M anage s scheduling and s p e n d i ng to m ee t qu a l it y r equ i r e m e n ts and e n sure p r oduc t m eets custo m e r s p ec ifi c at i o n s and e xp ecta ti ons . Co m p i l es b udget and sales i nfo r m at i o n to account fo r l a b se rvi ce s r ende r ed .

Manages laboratory process improvement activities. M a i nta i ns and sets u p n e w testing ca p a b i l it i es as needed . Manages i ng r ed i ent s , first p roc e s s i ng and finished p ro d uct t es ti n g . I m p l e m ents w a y s to c o n tin uall y d ri v e out w ast e . I dentifies i mp ro v e m ent o pp ort u n i ti es w it h r es p ec t to docu m enta tio n or equ i pm en t to i m p ro v e o v e rall testing ca p ac i t y and cons ist e n c y . O r de r s l a b s u pp l i es a n d l oo k s for w a y s to decrease o v erall consu m a b l e costs by nego tiati n g w it h sales re p s .

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees' work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

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 describes 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. Must be able to stoop, bend, and climb ladders to perform inspections. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hairnets, lab coats, slip resistant shoes, and any other protective equipment as needed or required.

Travel: Minimum local travel to other work sites.

Technical Experience : 3 years laboratory experience. A working knowledge of current testing regulations is highly desirable. Must have leadership qualities and flexibility with respect to job requirements.

Industry Experience: Microbiology knowledge / experience in food or pet food preferred.

Minimum Education : Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Chemistry or related field, or 4 years related lab experience.

Preferred Education : Master's degree in microbiology, Chemistry or related field.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team .