Encapsys-Lab Supervisor

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and  LinkedIn.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Lab Manager provides day-to-day direction to the Quality laboratory associates by coordinating and directing all aspects of laboratory development, staff training, testing, and ongoing operational support.  The incumbent is responsible for the calibration, maintenance, and repair of analytical test instrumentation and identifies, justifies, and procures new instrumentation when needed. The Supervisor leads the laboratory investigation into quality system outages, such as an out-of-specification test result.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Timely test results possessing unquestioned accuracy and precision generated in compliance with cGMPs.
• Training procedures and protocols that ensure associates are qualified before conducting testing.
• Work schedules which maintain 100% coverage of testing capability to support ongoing production.
• Investigation reports which are clear, concise and document a scientifically supported assignable root cause.
• Corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) which are timely and effective.
• Laboratory SOPs, processes, and protocols compliant with cGMPs and corporate policy.
• Continuous improvement in laboratory operations.
• Increased engagement for associates managed, directly and indirectly.

• Lead and direct the day-to-day activities of Quality Laboratory team in testing and releasing raw materials and finished product in a safe and timely fashion.
• Develop and implement laboratory SOPs and other processes that provide timely, accurate test results generated in compliance with cGMPs.
• Investigate quality system outages promptly and thoroughly, identify assignable root causes, and implement effective corrective actions to prevent a recurrence.
• Use statistical data to track and trend laboratory test results and implement effective preventive actions before a quality outage occurs.
• Establish equipment maintenance schedules and maintain equipment calibrations to schedule requirements.
• Develop and execute validation/qualification protocols for QC laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop and execute compendial method verification protocols and coordinate QC test method transfers between client, supplier, and Encapsys R&D analytical laboratories.
• Manage direct reports effectively, including performance management (setting and modifying objectives, giving prompt corrective feedback as well as praise, coaching for improved or sustained performance, reviewing performance, conducting salary planning), career development (planning and holding regular discussions with employees about their personal growth and development, including career goals), and building open and trusting relationships that further high employee performance and engagement.
• Assumes special projects under the direction of the Corporate Quality Assurance Leader.
• SAFETY – Adhere to all plant safety policies and compliance regulations.  Actively participate in the safety process through completing of safety audits, participating in safety projects, identifying Site Hazards and contributing to safety improvements, and being an attending member of a safety team.  Complete annual safety training as required.
• QUALITY – Become familiar with, understand and comply with Milliken Quality Policy, Standard Operating Procedure(s) (SOPs), relevant ISO 9000 standards and Company Policies that are applicable to this position.
• RESPONSIBLE CARE:

a. Be aware of the relevant requirements of the Responsible Care Management System (RC-14001) and follow plant procedures to ensure compliance to requirements.

 b. Understand the RC-14001 Significant Aspects of your job and help ensure controls are in place to reduce or eliminate negative impacts.

c. Take actions and identify and communicate ideas to minimize waste, prevent pollution and conserve energy. 

•  HAZARDOUS WASTE HANDLING - All associates who handle hazardous waste shall be given an overview of the regulations and company policies regarding the management of hazardous waste.  The hazardous waste handlers shall receive detailed instruction on the proper handling, collecting, labeling, and transporting of hazardous waste as outlined in RCRA and OSHA regulations.  Instructions shall also include whom to notify in case of a spill and proper procedures for spill response.  Educational requirements include the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.  Instructions on handling hazardous waste shall come from the hazardous waste manager or appropriate designee.

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand the relevant requirements of the Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) and RC-14001 certification.
• Understand the importance of conformance to the Environmental, Safety and Responsible Care Policies, procedures, and the requirements of the RCMS.
• Understand the significant environmental impacts associated with their work activities and help ensure controls are in place to reduce or eliminate negative impacts.
• Understand the potential consequences of deviation from specified operating procedures.
• Immediately report any accidents and releases per the company escalation protocol.
• Comply with all environmental, health, safety, and security rules; Environmental, Safety, and Responsible Care policies and programs established by the company to the extent of training received.
• Recognize that adhering to job responsibilities and procedures regarding environmental, safety, security, and health is a condition of employment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the plant environmental, health, safety, security, and Responsible Care performance and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED

• Prior work experience in a cGMP compliant analytical laboratory; previous supervisory experience (Shift Lead/Lead Chemist) preferred.
• Experience and knowledge regarding the qualification, maintenance, and repair of analytical instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of analytical method development and validation.
• Basic knowledge of chemical batch processing, including process control. 
• Mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inferences as well as the ability to use quality data management tracking and statistical analysis tools.
• Ability to facilitate and drive complex problem solving to resolve laboratory quality issues. Proficient with problem solving, analysis, and presentation tools.
• Requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret business information, scientific journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external customers, including strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal interaction skills, as well as presentation skills.

The successful candidate will have strengths in the following:

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis in a natural science or engineering field; chemistry preferred. Master’s degree a plus.

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.