Microbiology Manager

Scismic is supporting the growth of an exciting global company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We are looking for a Microbiology Manager in Springfield, MO USA.

Position Summary

The Microbiology Manager leads the daily operations of the Microbiology Laboratory at the company's Springfield site, ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Laboratory Director, this role is responsible for supervising microbiology supervisors and operations leads, translating strategic objectives into actionable laboratory outcomes, and ensuring full compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, AOAC, FDA, USDA, SMEDP).

The Manager plays a critical role in driving performance, method integrity, and continuous improvement within a 365-day/year food testing laboratory, collaborating cross-functionally with Technical, Quality, Procurement, and Industrial Performance teams to support innovation and network initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & People Development

• Manage and mentor microbiology supervisors, leads, and analysts to achieve daily throughput, quality, and turnaround targets.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and engagement through effective coaching, training, and performance management.
• Oversee workforce planning, including scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, and retention in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Ensure consistent alignment with company policies, Code of Conduct, and equal employment standards.

Operational Excellence

• Translate site and corporate strategic goals into departmental action plans with measurable KPIs.
• Oversee daily sample flow, workload balancing, and resource allocation to maintain turnaround time and client commitments.
• Develop and maintain systems ensuring methodologies are properly implemented and validated per client and regulatory requirements.
• Support new method implementation, technology integration, and scope expansion in coordination with network technical teams.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration, and qualification of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance.

Quality, Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Ensure all microbiological testing complies with internal SOPs and external standards (ISO 17025, AOAC, USDA, FDA, SMEDP).
• Review, interpret, and approve analytical data; verify that results meet quality and accuracy standards prior to release.
• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation, ensuring root cause investigations and effective follow-up.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external audits, demonstrating full readiness and documentation traceability.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain robust documentation practices.

Communication & Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Laboratory Director and network stakeholders to communicate departmental performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Technical, Quality, Procurement, and Industrial Performance teams on process optimization and cost-efficiency projects.
• Provide technical support and consultative communication to internal and external clients regarding methods, data interpretation, and issue resolution.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Contribution

• Leverage performance data and metrics (efficiency, quality, capacity, OTD) to identify trends and implement process improvements.
• Support the deployment of network-wide operational excellence initiatives and digital tools (e.g., LIMS enhancements, dashboards).
• Maintain current knowledge in food microbiology and laboratory technologies through continuing education and peer engagement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field required.
• Master’s or PhD in Microbiology or related discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years in a microbiology laboratory environment, with at least two (2) years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in food microbiology methods and quality systems (ISO, AOAC, BAM, USDA, FDA).
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a high-volume, regulated testing environment.
• Experience managing audits and implementing CAPA, method validations, and operational improvements.
• Proficiency with LIMS and standard office software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office).
• Familiarity with diagnostic and rapid detection platforms such as BAX, GeneUP, VIDAS, VITEK, IQ, and Invisible Sentinel.
• Strong preference for experience in the food testing or food manufacturing industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of laboratory performance metrics and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with attention to detail and urgency.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in balancing quality, cost, and efficiency.
• Familiarity with business process improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma principles preferred.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-shift environment.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in laboratory conditions with standard PPE.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during lab operations.
• Occasional travel up to 10-15% for meetings, audits, or training.
• Ethical & Code of Conduct Responsibilities
• The Microbiology Manager must operate at all times in compliance with Company Code of Conduct, promoting ethical behavior, client focus, and adherence to quality and safety standards.