Microbiology Supervisor

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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Primary Function / Primary Goals / Objectives:

The Micro Supervisor is responsible for supervising the operation of the Plant Microbiology QA Laboratories, which is comprised of the following functions: Environmental Monitoring Program, including equipment swabs, air samples, retort cooling water, ingredient water, and product samples; biochemical characterization and identification; raw material, in-process, and finished product testing; ensuring methods and procedures are appropriately followed; ensuring CAPA activities are followed through to completion; providing direction and technical expertise to Microbiology Laboratory personnel and to the plant; and providing leadership during problem solving situations related to microbial issues.

Major Responsibilities:

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

· Manages to ensure budgetary and staff requirements are properly met.

· Provides product and manufacturing microbial support for retort, powder, and aseptic lines.

· Interfaces with division personnel in the development of microbiological guidelines and specifications.

· Assures compliance to all procedures and policies concerning all areas of quality, regulatory, safety and human resources for all reporting departments.

· Coaches, develops, and mentors employees in areas of responsibility.  Responsible for recruitment, selection, development and retention of employees. Conducts performance reviews; develops growth plans; interprets, implements and supports employee-related policies, procedures and programs. Assigns projects/tasks to direct staff.

· Develops and administers a technically sound Environmental Monitoring program, updating as appropriate.

· Leads problem solving efforts related to microbial issues.

· Directs plant initiated microbiological certification activities resulting from new or modified manufacturing facilities or processes.

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

· Provides technical guidance and support to plant.

· Assures lab test results reflect compliance to plant, division, and corporate guidelines and procedures. 

· Assures test methods are followed.

· Attends plant Management Review meetings to communicate and oversee microbiological issues.

Education:

Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or related area. Masters Degree in Food Science or Microbiology (preferred but not required)

The position requires technical knowledge related to sterilization methods, microbial physiology, biochemical characterization of microbial isolates, disinfection/sanitization methods, and a strong understanding of aseptic handling procedures.

Background:

Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals.

Two years experience in Microbiology testing methods and techniques plus two years Supervisory experience (preferred).

Decision-making involves technical, regulatory and financial considerations.  Anticipates problem situations and establish or modify existing systems to effect timely resolution. A systematic approach, orientation to detail and organizational skills are required; however, the ability to make decisions based upon incomplete or summary information is necessary. Evaluation of new and modified methods is required for maintenance of lab efficiency and effectiveness. Must be able to make final plant technical decisions and recommendations relative to the microbiological quality of the manufacturing facilities and products.

Accountability / Scope/Budget:

This position reports to PQA Manager or to senior QA Department Manager. Responsible for the microbiological disposition of all products manufactured in the plant. Responsible for conducting micro challenge activities in the plant. Improper evaluation could result in faulty systems/processes approval with resultant product jeopardy.

In-process and final product microbiological analyses are conducted for all batches. Improper evaluation and/or disposition could result in regulatory action including a major product recall or product destruction.
Responsible for managing operating budget in excess of $180,000 for the Microbiological laboratory.

This position is accountable for maintaining and complying with FDA , USDA , OSHA and Affirmative Action requirements. Noncompliance or failure to meet the above could result in department losses which have direct affect on our ability to meet customer expectations, thus having significant impact on Abbott Nutrition business. Responsible for ensuring proper equipment/manpower utilization, good employee relations, a safe environment, quality products and profitability; ensuring all regulatory procedures are complied with and no major observations/violations are given.

The salary for this role is between:

N/A

JOB FAMILY:

Manufacturing

DIVISION:

ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

LOCATION:

United States > Casa Grande : Plant

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

No

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

No

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous walking for prolonged periods (more than 2 hours at a time in an 8 hour day)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

Abbott  is about the power of health. For more than 125 years,  Abbott  has been helping people reach their potential — because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions — across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health.

The people of  Abbott  come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of life’s greatest health challenges.

We invite you to explore opportunities at  Abbott , to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings. An equal opportunity employer,  Abbott  welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.