Team Leader, Laboratory Operations I

STERIS; Tullamore; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

STERIS in Ireland is seeking a Team Leader, Laboratory Operations to organise and supervise a team of Senior Technologists, Technologists and Assistants, ensuring daily targets are met and customer commitments are fulfilled.

You will lead training, appraisals, and performance monitoring while maintaining safety, quality processes, and compliance with ISO 13485/17025. This role includes a defined shift pattern and close collaboration with the Laboratory Operations Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in a Senior Technician/Operator role.
• Experience managing people in a regulated lab environment.
• Experience interfacing with customers.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and GMP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Organise and supervise a team to meet daily targets.
• Train, motivate and appraise direct reports.
• Ensure on-time delivery and adherence to schedules.
• Collaborate with Supervisor to optimise lab operations.
• Maintain health and safety standards; monitor unsafe acts.
• Support quality audits and equipment validation.

Skills

People management

Team leadership

Training & coaching

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

ISO 17025

GMP

Lean Manufacturing Principles

Job description

Position Summary

The Team Leader, Laboratory Operations organises and supervises a team of Senior Technologists, Technologists and Assistants within the Laboratory, providing support to the Supervisor, Laboratory Operations in the smooth daily running of the Laboratory. It is the duty of the Team Leaders to lead, train and motivate their team members; communicating pertinent information, monitoring issues, assessing performance, and ensuring direct reports achieve daily targets.

The Team Leader, Laboratory Operations has direct line management responsibility for a defined number of Senior Technicians, Technicians and/or Associate Technicians.

Working Pattern

Opportunity For Either Shift

• Mon – Thur, 8.30am – 5.15pm
• Fri - 8.30am - 16.15pm

(39 hrs per week)

Duties

• Organise and supervise a team of laboratory personnel to achieve the targets set by the daily schedule
• Assign tasks based on individual strengths and experience. Leverage the unique skills of each team member to ensure efficient task completion and maximise team productivity.
• Ensure individual and area tasks as per the daily schedule are completed to guarantee on-time-delivery for the Customer, highlighting any issues to the Laboratory Operations Supervisor.
• Complete performance reviews and appraisals with all direct reports against targets determined by the Supervisor, Laboratory Operations.
• Disseminate pertinent information to the team. This includes daily targets, updates on procedures, and any other relevant details to keep everyone aligned and working towards shared goals.
• Proactively monitor team member performance and identify any challenges they might encounter. Address these issues promptly and provide constructive feedback to enhance individual and team effectiveness.
• Serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for your team. Provide training opportunities, answer questions, and create a positive and motivating work environment.
• Prioritise meeting daily goals. Work with your team to ensure they have the resources and support they need to successfully complete their assigned tasks and achieve the established targets for each day.
• Collaborate effectively with the Supervisor, Laboratory Operations to guarantee the smooth daily operation of the entire laboratory. This may involve assisting with specific tasks or delegating work to optimise overall lab efficiency
• Organize regular team meetings to promote open communication and collaboration. These meetings could be daily huddles, project-specific discussions, or one-on-one meetings depending on the situation
• Address and mediate any disagreements or misunderstandings that may arise within the team. Promote a respectful and productive work environment by facilitating effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.
• Be a role model for Laboratory Health and Safety monitoring your area for unsafe acts or conditions, promptly addressing and reporting them, actively participating in safety walks and educating both new and existing technicians on laboratory health and safety protocols.
• As a champion for quality, approve Customer test reports ensuring right first time, escape process issues and maintain Technician training records. Additionally provide audit support and assist with equipment validation, work instructions and non-conformance investigations.

Duties - cont'd

General Laboratory Duties

• To ensure all laboratory work is carried out in compliance with local Safety, Health and Welfare regulations and all relevant statutory provisions in conjunction with the laboratory staff and under the direction of the laboratory senior management team.
• Ensure personal protective clothing equipment is worn in accordance with the Health & Safety policy and continuously monitor work area for unsafe conditions and take immediate action to correct unsafe conditions
• To ensure all work in the laboratory is carried out in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice, ISO13485 (Current Revision), ISO17025 (Current Revision) accreditation requirements, internal procedures and in conjunction with the laboratory staff and under the direction of the laboratory senior management team.
• To deal with all STERIS, Customer, and internal parties’ information with strict confidentiality at all times and in a professional manner
• Play an active role in contributing towards the facility achieving monthly on time delivery targets and adhering to Customer lead times
• To alert a member of the senior laboratory management team to any process, job related problems or discrepancies.
• To be proactive in highlighting and resolving situations to support turnaround time adherence and testing requirements.

Education Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience

• Experience in a Senior Technician, Senior Operator or Senior Analyst role.
• Experience of working in a laboratory in the service sector or other fast paced manufacturing environment.
• A demonstratable ability to manage people.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment.
• Experience directly interfacing with Customers

Work Preferences

• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and GMP requirements pertaining to laboratory operations preferable.
• Prior exposure to managing health and safety requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Principles (5S, SQDC, Kaizen, 7 Wastes)

Work Experience

• Five (5) years’ experience working in a Laboratory environment preferably in the healthcare industry, with a minimum of Two (2) years in a Senior Technician Position or role with similar responsibility.

STERIS is a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention. WE HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD by providing innovative healthcare and life sciences products and services around the globe. For more information, visit www.steris.com.

STERIS strives to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.