Lab Manager

ABOUT UDA:
UDA is a local, family-owned, dairy cooperative committed to serve the needs of our members, community, and customers by providing high quality milk and dairy products. As the only milk marketing co-op in the state, UDA oversees the production, processing, and marketing of Arizonas finest milk products from farm to Retail in 48 hours or less. From sweet cream and butter to non-fat dry milk, UDA provides milk products to manufactures and supermarket chains throughout the Grand Canyon State.
Our motto at UDA is United in Excellence. The dairy industrys success isnt built on one dairy or brand, its built on the community as a whole - this includes our amazing employees. When you join UDA, youre not just joining a business, youre joining a family. Since 1960 UDA has been headquartered, operated, and managed in Arizona. We strive to provide our employees with rewarding career opportunities aimed at long-term stability, growth, and advancement. We put our heart and soul into our products and value our team who show up, every day and do the work.


Job Summary/Objective

The Lab Manager will oversee the daily operation of the laboratory including microbiological analysis, chemical analysis, physical assessment of raw materials and finished products, shelf-life studies, and the distribution of information to the department.


Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work with the Director of Lab & Supplier Quality to develop and maintain a comprehensive testing and monitoring program for incoming, in-process, and finished goods.
• Work with the Director of Lab & Supplier Quality, microbiologists, and lab technicians to apply statistical process control analyses for process improvement in the quality assurance and food safety departments.
• Supervise lab employees, including hiring, training, and performance reviews. Ensure full engagement in a safe working environment.
• Lead, motivate, train, and develop the general lab and micro lead(s) to develop success within the different shifts.
• Maintain proficiency program implementation.
• Keep calibrations of equipment current.
• Process CAPAs for non-conforming work in the laboratory and determine root cause analysis.
• Assist the Director of Lab & Supplier Quality in the incorporation of feedback to improve both laboratory costs and efficiency.
• Provide direction to the lab staff in the responsibility for report generation and data maintenance within the department.
• Establish and maintain accurate inventory of lab supplies.
• Process invoices for payment by Accounting.
• Organize and oversee sample shipments and submissions for 3rd party testing or for customer review.
• Have attention to detail and support quality control measures.
• Keep accurate and legible records and review and sign off on completed testing records.
• Adhere to all UDA quality, safety, and GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to interpret SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Effective problem analysis and problem resolution at the strategic and functional levels.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals and strict attention to detail.
• Must be familiar with dairy product concepts, practices and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of good manufacturing practices.
• Must be able to make decisions impacting products and safety based on independent judgment and discretion.
• Requires ability to read, hear, speak, and comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions.

• Minimum of 1 year in a quality/laboratory manager or related area experience with dairy foods testing.

• Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Paid Time Off
• Shift Pay Differential
• Education Assistance
• On-site Fitness Center
• On-Site Health Clinic

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list; employees may be subject to additional, or altered, tasks and the scope of the role may change as necessitated by business demands. UDA will not consider any application submissions from unauthorized third-parties, consulting, or external staffing firms and will not be held subject, or liable, to any terms, fees, or penalties associated with a submission.

UDA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

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