Technical Manager

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary:

Oversee quality systems and training as it applies to laboratory operations. Responsible for the application, evaluation and training of approved microbiological/chemical techniques and methodologies used in the analysis of food products. The position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 guide for food testing laboratories. Maintain frequent contact with the Director of Quality and Training. Works closely in assisting in the daily functions associated with the maintenance of the quality and training systems and providing technical support to laboratory operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Implement and maintain quality systems in accordance with regulatory agency requirements to include, but not limited to, ISO/IEC 17025, A2LA, FDA and USDA.
• Monitor quality control programs and ensure compliance to Quality Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, A2LA requirements and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
• Perform internal audits as scheduled in the Internal Audit Program and as assigned by management as well as external audits to identify opportunities for improvement in the quality system and training programs.
• Manage the laboratory's Document Control System and facilitate implementation of policy and procedural updates.
• Manage the laboratory's Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) system and technical client inquiries.
• Coordinate and manage the laboratory's Proficiency Testing (PT) program.
• Monitor the Laboratory Control Sample (LCS) Program and review the laboratory's Statistical Process Charts (SPC).
• Manage the laboratory's Equipment Calibration and Verification program
• Monitor the laboratory's PT performance, assess training needs, administer technical and quality system training for new and current laboratory personnel according to FSNS standard operating procedures and maintain training and competency records ensuring continuous improvement.
• On-board new technologies relative to quality and training program development.
• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends.
• Provide technical support to the laboratory and clients.
• Manage work schedule to accommodate laboratory needs.
• This position works closely as part of the Laboratory Management Team and has the authority to stop work and request sample resets as necessary.
• Assisting with managing priorities and schedule such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged participation in the Food Safety Net Services Team
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area
• Responsible for the completion of required training
• Authorized for method verification

Education & Experience:

• BS degree (or pursuing MS degree) in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Food Safety, or an applicable field required
• Ability to differentiate between colors is required
• 2-3 years of experience in a Microbiological or Chemistry testing laboratory required; food Microbiology/ Chemistry preferred
• Training experience required
• Laboratory/technical auditing experience required
• ISO / IEC 17025 knowledge required

Supervision:

• Directly supervise employees.
• Carry out all responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Assist in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Color vision and depth perception

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