Food Chemistry Technical Manager

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Job Purpose:
• As a senior member of the Laboratory team, the Technical Manager is responsible for the direct technical implementation of technical management in the Laboratory section.
• The role is mainly internal facing, however some external engagement may be required.
• Working closely with Laboratory Manager, Quality Team and the Technical Director the Technical Manager ensures that i2 maintains effective technical management. The role has overall responsibility for the laboratory section technical functions including, but not limited to:

• Ensure all methods are up to date and in line with business and accreditation requirements across UK and Poland.
• To provide technical support to client technical queries in line with company quality systems
• Provide effective and focused training to internal and external stakeholders, raising awareness of both the business, and the industry which we serve.
• Manage and implement validation plans as needed to support the continued growth of the business into new tests and/or service areas
• To suggest any improvements to practices and procedures in the process of continuous improvement of the laboratory and management systems

Role Accountabilities and Main Duties:

HR
• To provide employee motivation through ongoing internal training into the background of the relevant section and be coupled with operational training of the methods.

Resources
• To ensure that resources are available to perform all aspects of ongoing validation and/or technical updates.
• To be responsible for the laboratory's technical functions in line with budgets submitted as part of growth plans within the department.

Production
• To represent the laboratory when liaising with internal and/or external stakeholders at a technical level.
• To take overall responsibility for technical decisions in line with company growth strategies and/or customer queries
• Ensure all lab staff are adequately trained to fully understand the background of the analysis they are trained for.
• Ensure the maintenance of all technical records in a robust and accessible format.
• To liaise with customers, providing technical information on analysis, in line with industry guidelines/regulations, as necessary.

General duties
• To operate at all times with awareness of GDPR requirements to ensure compliance.
• To provide for technical-related customer service, troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• To supervise and co-ordinate the activities of personnel engaged in performing duties required for achieving technical goals
• To effectively communicate within the laboratory and management teams, including maintaining an 'open door policy' and communicating with Laboratory and Senior Management to promote ongoing technical development and understanding
• To ensure compliance with all corporate policy procedures in the laboratory.
• To obtain and maintain an in-depth knowledge of local market requirements.
• To support the ISO certificate(s) and provide support with accreditation
• To foster customer confidence in laboratory work through advice and support after analysis.
• To review laboratory technical procedures for all aspects of continuous improvement.
• To compile and analyse new test information in line with business strategies, to determine maximum operating efficiency of processes and equipment and to relay to senior management as ongoing operating improvements.
• To recommend measures to improve testing procedures, use of equipment, and needs for new equipment, in conjunction with operations.
• To conduct research to develop custom procedures as needed, working in conjunction with Operations Director.
• To read, understand and enforce the Company Quality and Safety policies.
• To maintain all relevant Technical & Quality records.

Health & Safety:
• To ensure that all laboratory works are carried out to the standards laid out in the Quality Manual and Health & Safety Manual.
• To take responsibility for own Health & Safety whilst working within the Laboratory.
• To report any bad practices that may be witnessed to Operations Director or Quality Manager.

Training:
• To ensure own training records are kept up-to-date.
• To obtain details of any desired training courses and implement a training plan in line with budgets.
• To carry out training sessions with all members of staff, to ensure that the training is carried-out under the direction of the Quality Manual.

These duties are by no means exhaustive and should not be interpreted as a complete definition of the role.

Person Specification:

Essential Experience:
• Relevant Scientific Degree
• Minimum of 5 years Laboratory experience including Supervisory/management Experience
• In depth knowledge of the operations of a high volume analytical laboratory

Essential:
• Degree or equivalent in Science based subject.
• Applicable scientific background or extensive (>2 years) laboratory experience in a senior management role.
• Proven track record of managing technical teams to meet company testing requirements.
• Hands on experience of relevant testing in a contract or commercial environment.
• Full understanding of analytical equipment
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Positive attitude to change and ability to motivate teams at all levels
• Proven track record of developing and updating systems to meet company targets.
• Extensive experience of new innovative technologies, method development and troubleshooting.

Desirable:
• Understanding of all areas of the laboratory section
• Knowledge of other testing sectors performed by the wider laboratory sections