Manager, Operations Food - SGS

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Responsible for the implementation of primary goals, operating plans, policies, and short- and long-range objectives for the business unit.

• Ensures that the Quality Management System is implemented and maintained in accordance with the ISO 17025 standard
• Is knowledgeable of the scope of all processes under his/her supervision
• Maintains records and manages all aspects of testing activities
• Facilitates operational concerns
• Coordinates purchasing requests
• Manage operations to maintain or improve efficiency and quality of laboratory
• Ensures accurate and consistent testing procedures
• Hires personnel and oversees all employee related issues
• Determines technical training needs of personnel
• Conducts employee performance reviews and provides ongoing guidance for continued employee development
• Maintain a fair and positive work environment
• Represents organization to major customers, government agencies, and the public
• Communicate operational difficulties and delays to Client Service Department
• Communicate necessary changes or information to department personnel.
• Responds to customer inquiries and provides professional advice
• Ensures that all health and safety regulations are followed
• Contribute to and maintain an active safety program for all departments
• Organize and maintain documentation of all laboratory quality activities
• Report on the performance of the Quality Management System to senior management for review and as a basis for improvement of the system.
• Ensure compliance to ISO 17025 standards are maintained
• Performs other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides guidance and/or leadership to others, including indirect reports, peers, or managers
• Has hiring and terminating responsibilities
• Supervises others

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Ability to provide authoritative opinions in the area of expertise and finds new and innovative ways of improving production efficiencies.
• Work toward continuous improvement in production and to improve efficiency without compromising data quality.
• Solves day-to-day production and process problems, providing technical and operational leadership and guidance to all staff.
• Interprets, evaluates and analyzes problems that do not conform to established practices and precedents. Requires creativity within prescribed limits in developing new ideas or techniques to resolve problems. Knowledge in a technical field/discipline or profession.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

• Decisions on the day-to-day operation of the branch have significant impact on the customer satisfaction with respect to testing results, timeliness of data and on-going relationships.
• Responsible for the financial budget of the branch and to the overall revenue and local contribution of the business line.
• Ineffective actions with respect to health and safety and quality could have a negative and costly impact to the branch and business line.
• Actions and decisions of the position have clear impact on a number of departments (results, schedules, performance) with direct potential impact on customers.

ANALYTICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING

• Identify and implement process improvements to improve efficiency and add capacity.
• Identify the root cause for non-conformances and implement sound corrective actions.
• Provide technical input for customers.
• Position requires independent thinking within company policies, procedures and standards available to accomplish objective. Recommended policy decisions are subject to managements' review prior to implementation. The responsibility of "what -todo" is distinctly stated; the "how-to" achieve the objective is largely determined by the employee's own judgment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 4-year degree in Microbiology/Chemistry/Food Science or a related field or equivalent work experience Required
• 7+ years previous experience in operations/ management role Required
• 3 plus years in a supervisory role Required
• Knowledge of LIMS Required
• Effective problem prevention and problem-solving skills. Required
• Written and verbal communication skills necessary to cross multiple disciplines

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Language Skills: English / Highest level of knowledge required. Required
• Mathematical Skills: Intermediate required. Required
• Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Intermediate level required. Required
• Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite, familiarity with databases and LIMS required, experience with statistical software packages such as SAS. Required
• Demonstrated leadership and team building competencies; strong project management and complex Required 
• Ability to contribute effectively in a cross-functional team setting and to build effective relationships with team and customer. Required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Required  
• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fastpaced, highly professional environment.

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back.  Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.