Bigelow Tea
Analytical Laboratory Supervisor/Microbiologist
Bigelow Tea, Fairfield, Connecticut, us, 06828
Overview
Analytical Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Magner Analytical Laboratory and assessing and mitigating risks associated with microbiological hazards for Bigelow products. This position is a member of the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) teams and serves as the subject matter expert on microbial concerns related to incoming ingredients, blending, packaging, and co-manufacturing operations. Under the direction of the Corporate Food Safety and Quality Manager, this role collaborates with Ingredient Procurement, R&D, Blending, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Consumer Services, and FSQ teams. Mission
To drive business growth by developing innovative blends, exploring new technologies and improving manufacturing efficiencies while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and healthy ingredients. Maintain long-term supplier relationships to ensure sustainable sourcing and balance the financial needs of the business. Responsibilities
Supervise, train, and assist in recruiting analytical laboratory staff. Conduct proficiency testing on critical functions including sensory and physical properties. Ensure staff and sensory panels have sufficient depth to provide timely evaluations. Provide support and training to plant teams and warehouses on sample collection. Be an active member of the FSQ Teams in evaluating microbial risks associated with incoming ingredients and manufacturing processes including co-manufactured items. Provide training and support to the Blending team on sanitation and other food safety and quality programs in collaboration with Fairfield site leadership team. Manage and maintain lab budget. Monitoring & Analyzing
Assist in daily setup and cleanup of startup activities for raw ingredients and seasonal buying as needed. Participate in the tasting panel of all R.C. Bigelow products (e.g., startup, inbound ingredients, tea blends, consumer complaints, shelf life and packaging studies). Perform and assess environmental monitoring of tea blending and production areas. Work with Laboratory Technicians and FSQ Data Analyst to assess ingredients and products for conformance to specification. Recommend sampling plans including collection and retention based on tests and risk. Coordinate outside lab testing; maintain a matrix of outside laboratory capabilities, sample sizes, test codes, costs and contacts. Isolate and identify contaminants related to consumer complaints for off flavors; initiate plant investigations and follow up as needed. Identify contaminants in raw materials or finished products and prepare Certificates of Conformance as required. Tracking & Reporting
Maintain logs for routine and special testing; prepare regular laboratory activity reports. Maintain standard procedures for analytical testing of all raw ingredients and products produced by R.C. Bigelow and co-packed items; report inconsistencies or nonconformance. Coordinate storage studies for product or material qualifications and report monthly to the qualification team. Coordinate with R&D and FSQ on developing ingredient and product specifications; prepare ingredient supplier report cards with FSQ Data Analyst. Auditing & Improving
Audit Analytical Laboratory practices to ensure procedures and best practices are followed; review internal testing procedures for data consistency; identify gaps and develop new test methods. Analyze test data and recommend appropriate test frequency for internal and external testing, including supplier CoA and Bigelow CoA verification. Stay informed of new procedures that could benefit the organization. Skills & Qualifications
Good knowledge of testing methods, interpretation, and analysis of quality testing results including sensory analysis. Creative, innovative thinker with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Ability to supervise, train and motivate individuals and teams. Strong administrative and computer skills, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence others. Ability to self-initiate and manage multiple tasks independently to meet business objectives. Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Food and Beverage or related industry with some supervisory experience. Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred. Travel
Up to 10 percent travel to other Bigelow manufacturing sites and warehouses. Bigelow Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bigelow Tea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
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Analytical Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Magner Analytical Laboratory and assessing and mitigating risks associated with microbiological hazards for Bigelow products. This position is a member of the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) teams and serves as the subject matter expert on microbial concerns related to incoming ingredients, blending, packaging, and co-manufacturing operations. Under the direction of the Corporate Food Safety and Quality Manager, this role collaborates with Ingredient Procurement, R&D, Blending, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Consumer Services, and FSQ teams. Mission
To drive business growth by developing innovative blends, exploring new technologies and improving manufacturing efficiencies while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and healthy ingredients. Maintain long-term supplier relationships to ensure sustainable sourcing and balance the financial needs of the business. Responsibilities
Supervise, train, and assist in recruiting analytical laboratory staff. Conduct proficiency testing on critical functions including sensory and physical properties. Ensure staff and sensory panels have sufficient depth to provide timely evaluations. Provide support and training to plant teams and warehouses on sample collection. Be an active member of the FSQ Teams in evaluating microbial risks associated with incoming ingredients and manufacturing processes including co-manufactured items. Provide training and support to the Blending team on sanitation and other food safety and quality programs in collaboration with Fairfield site leadership team. Manage and maintain lab budget. Monitoring & Analyzing
Assist in daily setup and cleanup of startup activities for raw ingredients and seasonal buying as needed. Participate in the tasting panel of all R.C. Bigelow products (e.g., startup, inbound ingredients, tea blends, consumer complaints, shelf life and packaging studies). Perform and assess environmental monitoring of tea blending and production areas. Work with Laboratory Technicians and FSQ Data Analyst to assess ingredients and products for conformance to specification. Recommend sampling plans including collection and retention based on tests and risk. Coordinate outside lab testing; maintain a matrix of outside laboratory capabilities, sample sizes, test codes, costs and contacts. Isolate and identify contaminants related to consumer complaints for off flavors; initiate plant investigations and follow up as needed. Identify contaminants in raw materials or finished products and prepare Certificates of Conformance as required. Tracking & Reporting
Maintain logs for routine and special testing; prepare regular laboratory activity reports. Maintain standard procedures for analytical testing of all raw ingredients and products produced by R.C. Bigelow and co-packed items; report inconsistencies or nonconformance. Coordinate storage studies for product or material qualifications and report monthly to the qualification team. Coordinate with R&D and FSQ on developing ingredient and product specifications; prepare ingredient supplier report cards with FSQ Data Analyst. Auditing & Improving
Audit Analytical Laboratory practices to ensure procedures and best practices are followed; review internal testing procedures for data consistency; identify gaps and develop new test methods. Analyze test data and recommend appropriate test frequency for internal and external testing, including supplier CoA and Bigelow CoA verification. Stay informed of new procedures that could benefit the organization. Skills & Qualifications
Good knowledge of testing methods, interpretation, and analysis of quality testing results including sensory analysis. Creative, innovative thinker with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Ability to supervise, train and motivate individuals and teams. Strong administrative and computer skills, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence others. Ability to self-initiate and manage multiple tasks independently to meet business objectives. Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Food and Beverage or related industry with some supervisory experience. Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred. Travel
Up to 10 percent travel to other Bigelow manufacturing sites and warehouses. Bigelow Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bigelow Tea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
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