Director Of Laboratory Services

Director Of Laboratory Services

The Director of Laboratory Services is accountable for the planning, directing, and coordinating of all microbiological and other food-based analysis such as organoleptic and food chemistry programs within lab services at Perdue Foods. This position is accountable for setting the strategic vision for lab services to maximize value and the integrity of the information it provides to the business. The salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $215,000.00 per year, based on experience and qualifications with an annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and paid time off.

Principal and Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and oversee testing programs and associated standards related to the execution of each activity: laboratory practice efficiencies, standardization, quality, productivity, performance standards, and USDA and Stated regulatory compliance.
• Support the safe and wholesome production of products by providing analytical services with both the live and operations side of the business. Microbiological, Organoleptic, Electrical Stimulation, Woody Breast, etc.
• Maintains strict compliance with USDA regulations and laboratory accreditations. Maintains accurate records of accreditation for second- or third-party auditing purposes.
• Ensure Good Laboratory Practices with established quality, safety, technician proficiency, and preventative maintenance and monitoring programs for Food Safety, Quality, and Animal health testing programs.
• Operate laboratory within prescribed annual budget while continually seeking for ways to optimize both cost and data relevancy. Directly manages salaried staff and directs firm leadership of Lab Safety issues, proactively seeking preventive methods for the safety of the lab staff.
• Provide scientific leadership and direction to plants and associated teams, including onsite pathogen interventions review and design of experiments to prove and define needs or theories as directed.
• Actively participate within Industry and Scientific communities to ensure cutting edge relevance with our testing programs and process. Maintains relevance and accuracy of written SOPs and policies for the lab within the company FSQA Manual. Conducts at minimum an annual audit of all lab written SOPs.
• Reviews and distributes company reports that communicate test results, study findings, including recommendations to improve pathogen control, microbial quality, and product shelf-life.
• Provides as requested corporate memos concerning product microbial quality, shelf-life, pathogen control, and other science-based needs for customers, consumers, regulators, and others as directed.
• Develops and conducts microbial quality training for lab personnel as well as designing training for all company personnel to enhance understanding and knowledge.

Minimum Education and Experience: Masters Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or related field and 12+ years of Laboratory Management. Advanced education is highly preferred (PHD, DVM, Masters, etc).

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements: Work environment is a chemistry lab. Position requires person to stand several hours daily and wear appropriate safety gear to handle potentially hazardous chemicals. Must be able to lift 40 lbs.