Food Safety & Quality Micro Lab Supervisor

At Schwan's Company, we are driven to bring our customers delicious foods and reliable services. That's how we grew from a "one-man-and-a-truck" delivery business in rural Minnesota to a multibillion-dollar private company with thousands of team members nationwide. Our commitment to delicious foods shows in all we do, from careful ingredient selection and quality food making to delivering a great experience wherever you shop and eat.

The foods we make reach customers in many ways. We deliver directly to our customer's homes through our popular food-delivery business, offer well-known retail brands such as Red Baron®, Freschetta®, and Tony's® pizzas, Pagoda® snacks and appetizers, and Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts, and bring innovative food solutions to our customers in the food-service industry. To learn more, visit us at www.schwanscompany.com.

We are hiring a Microbiology Lab Supervisor in our plant in Florence, Kentucky. This person is responsible for supervising the operation and maintenance of microbiology laboratory equipment and programs. Our plant in Kentucky is a 24/7 operation that produces primarily pizza, such as Freschetta®. This is a great opportunity to lead a team of 3-4 lab technicians in a supportive culture that focuses on building authentic leadership skills, and working collaboratively to get the best product out the door. If you know microbiology inside and out, have a focus on continuous improvement and like working in a fast paced environment, this might be for you! This role is 1st shift: hours approximately 8am- 5pm, but flexibility is needed.

• Reviews maintains and updates microbiological methods and standards. Audits techniques to assure they meet all laboratory procedures. Enters data and prepares reports. Interprets results and notifies QA Supervisors and Director of Food Safety Microbiology of findings.
• Develops and implements sampling and testing studies, evaluates results and generates necessary reports.
• Runs investigations in the plant to support improved sanitation results
• Negotiates contracts with suppliers of laboratory materials and equipment.
• Coordinates the maintenance of microbiological laboratory and equipment.
• Keeps current on regulatory issues in area of responsibility and represents the company to regulatory inspectors in area of responsibility.
• Performs all duties in accordance with USDA, FDA, State, Federal and Company regulations. Supervises employees including skills development, safety, housekeeping, policy administration, discipline, employee relations, cost control and problem solving.
• Interviews and hires employees following required EEO and Affirmative Action guidelines and ensures employees receive the proper training.
• Responsible to conduct yourself and ensure your subordinates (if applicable) conduct themselves in a manner consistent with company mission values code of ethics policies and other standards of conduct.

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent Years of Related Experience. Preferred degree in Microbiology or Food Science

Years of experience: Typically has 2-5 years related experience

• Strong critical thinking skills
• Continuous Improvement mindset; ability to investigate issues in the plant, perform root cause analysis and effectively problem solve.
• Passion and interest in leading people - effectively coach a team, develop technical and soft skills in order to meet FSQ objectives.
• Ability to analyze and interpret general, technical, scientific procedures, and/or governmental regulations.
• Ability to effectively communicate through written reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work cross functionally with managers, plant leadership, line attendants and FSQ peers
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Demonstrated experience working in a functioning microbiology laboratory with the associated biological, chemical and physical hazards
• Preferred experience in food & beverage or pharmaceutical industries

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan’s Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin or other protected class.