Your new company
Here in Hays we have a fantastic long-term opportunity for a Microbiology Shift Lead for our Scientific Testing Services client in their state-of-the-art product testing microbiology laboratory. The company is a leading contract laboratory services provider specialised in testing and research services in the environmental, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical sciences for many of the top biopharmaceutical institutions across the country and beyond.
This is a position with a strong technical testing function but also excellent for those who wish to step up from senior analyst and further their leadership skills. The role would be a key requirement as the person will be responsible for keeping up productivity and service levels amongst analysts whilst being well-supported by other senior leadership and staff.
Your new role
1. Work in tandem with the group lead to effectively coordinate and lead the shift team so that productivity, quality, documentation, work schedules, safety and housekeeping are run at maximum efficiency.
2. Ensuring that the client gets the best possible service by continually reviewing best practice in relation to both commercial and quality issues and ensuring ethical work standards and GMP compliance.
3. Development, coaching, motivation, and morale of team members through effective team-building and use of reward and recognition systems celebrating team success.
4. Responsible for quality risk assessment of various technical processes, including sampling plans; preparation of validation protocols and subsequent procedures for final approval by client personnel.
5. Reviewing and approving all relevant documentation and technical data in a timely manner and ensuring that it is communicated, documented, and filed accurately.
6. Reviewing and improving commercial work practices. Identify areas where efficiencies may be improved and liaising with the group lead and client appropriately about any proposed improvements.
7. Forward planning of activities in order to maximise the use of client resources during training periods.
8. Performing all sampling and analysis required the correct standard and turn-around times.
9. Responsible for carrying out performance appraisals with staff as part of the overall performance management programme within the organisation.
10. Assist in the training of analysts.
11. Initiate and investigate non-compliance or out of trend/ specification situations in the laboratory. Liaise with group lead to facilitate close out of Investigations and Non-Conformances/Deviations.
12. Responsible for handling any customer related queries where necessary and liaising with their team, group lead, and with personnel from other teams to problem-solve these queries if needed.
What you'll need to succeed
13. At least 3 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical industry GMP laboratory
14. Strong familiarity with GMP and Microbiology.
15. Good understanding of Chemistry is advantageous.
16. Passionate about quality and customer service.
17. Previous experience mentoring or coaching staff or employees is desired.
18. Excellent communication skills (internally and externally) and understanding of appropriate client interactions.
19. Willing to operate in a flexible manner and be able to switch priorities at short notice.
20. Good team player, organised, accurate, have strong documentation skills.
What you'll get in return
Competitive shift uplift
Permanent position with further benefits available on request.
Opportunity to get experience working within a large biopharma organisation.