Job Description

The Opportunity:

The Laboratory Supervisor must be competent in the technical knowledge and execution of all tests conducted in the laboratory. They supervise the activities of the assigned laboratory technical staff in addition to completing their own assigned projects and responsibilities. The Laboratory Supervisor reports non-compliance situations to the Manager - Laboratory and must be able to propose and implement solutions.  Provide ongoing coaching and support to the laboratory team to ensure development and growth. They must have excellent communication skills, organizational skills, a high attention to detail, are able to lead a team professionally in a fast paced and dynamic environment. 
 

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by October 20. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Supervision:  Manage staff performance through communication of responsibilities and expectations, rewards and recognition, documenting and evaluating performance while providing support to reach staff's objectives. This may include providing assistance to further an employee's academic/ professional goals by the involvement in professional associations, seminars, academic courses and/or lectures. 
• Assess current lab structures and provide recommendations for improvement when required.
• Report Generation: Review, approve, issue and distribute laboratory reports, including email notifications to the appropriate distribution lists and/or customers.  
• High Level Analysis: Maintains an in-depth understanding in analytical methodologies, techniques, procedures and analyzes/interprets technical data that is generated by the laboratory.
• Equipment Maintenance: Schedule equipment maintenance, preventative maintenance, calibration and verification. Maintain the equipment files/records of all laboratory equipment.
• Manage laboratory housekeeping schedule.
• Adapt and/or improve existing laboratory techniques and methods; may write, update and review analytical procedure protocols (SOP's), validations, verifications, measurement of uncertainty reports, project reports.
• Training and Proficiency testing: Gathering and analyzing information to design, develop, and deliver new training programs that are efficient, and effective.  Performing training needs analysis by assessing the skill level, performance, and competence of each trainee.  Conduct validation activities such as parallel testing, quizzes and ensuring competency through demonstration.  Actively participate in the scheduling, performance and technical proficiency reviews of the laboratory technical staff.
• Scheduling: Organizing the daily workflow of the lab through the prioritization of analysis, project work and proficiency testing and adjusting the schedule for any staffing issues.
• Auditor:  Conduct and/or participate in internal and external audits. Identify non-conformances, perform and/or assign investigations using root cause analysis ensuring the implementation of audit recommendations and staff compliance.
• Perform technical staff duties during high volume work periods and/or during staff shortages.
• Responsible for the delegation of the laboratory daily workload and assign daily priorities to ensure testing turnaround time (TAT) meets the needs of the company.
• Assist in the training of newly hired laboratory staff.
• Assist in budget preparation.
• Responsible for the knowledge of and compliance to all aspects of the Quality Management System

What You'll Bring:

Microbiology: Minimum: B.Sc. or Technical Diploma in relevant sciences; Microbiology (preferred) or Biology/Food Science with emphasis on food/environmental biology. Minimum 4 years of work experience in a microbiology laboratory or food industry.
Chemistry: Minimum: B.Sc. or Technical Diploma in relevant sciences; Chemistry (preferred) or Biochemistry with emphasis on food/environmental chemistry. Minimum 4 year of work experience in a chemistry laboratory or food industry.

• Strong organizational capability and comfortable with routine work
• Competent computer skills
• The Laboratory Supervisor must be business, results and values oriented, work as part of a functional team, abide by the company's Code of Business Conduct, be able to display impartiality and be an exceptional fit with our Maple Leaf Leadership values.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, 'speaker series' events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.