Laboratory Senior Manager

The Laboratory Senior Manager leads the planning, coordination and management of all activities in the Coca-Cola Ballina Laboratory. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of KORE and ISO17025 compliance with policies, procedures and practices of The Coca-Cola Company and regulatory bodies. The Laboratory Senior Manager will report to the QSE Director.

Responsibilities:

• Prioritize Safety of Laboratory employees through continuous review of work practices and ensure that an effective safety team is in place.
• Ensure the effective implementation of KORE to ensure compliance with the policies, procedures and practices of The Coca-Cola Company and regulatory bodies in the Ballina Laboratory.
• Ensure that all ingredients, finished products and intermediate products are tested and released in accordance with procedures set forth in The Coca-Cola Company Requirements (KORE).
• Participate in selection of laboratory equipment with a view to optimize output by incorporation of state of the art. laboratory instruments enabling fast response time of tests, automation and online data acquisition.
• Manage Laboratory Shift Managers and direct reports with an overall responsibility for about 40 Team Members.
• Ensure compliance to ISO 17025 Laboratory Management Systems.
• Implementation and management of Laboratory GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) requirements.
• Embed operational excellence and a continuous improvement culture to deliver improvements through lean principles and systems.
• Provide technical support to Operating Unit and Bottlers if quality concerns with concentrate.
• Support and technically advise Procurement on ingredient strategy.
• Actively participate, with significant influence, in the selection and training of the Laboratory Team.
• Support and lead both regional and global laboratories projects as required.

• Degree, MSc or PhD in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Pharmacology or Microbiology).

• Minimum 7 years' experience in food or pharmaceutical industries, with at least 5 years of managerial experience.
• Detailed understanding of laboratory technical processes, analytical decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in leading global projects is a distinct advantage.
• Operate directly with sites and contacts located across the globe.
• Fluent written and spoken English and strong communication skills required.
• Team leadership, capability development and performance management.
• Ability to set strategy and execute business plans.
• Demonstrated experience in people management in a team environment.
• Influencing and Stakeholder engagement skills.
• Lead others through change.
• Presentation and communication skills and ability to influence in the decision making process.