FSQ Microbiology Specialist

We have a current opening for a FSQ Microbiology Specialist and are actively reviewing applications.

Ferrero is currently the fastest growing confectionery company in the world! Come and be a part of a winning team!

The FSQ Microbiology Specialist provides process and/or technical leadership for laboratory operations, including routine, non‑routine, project‑based, and quality assurance activities, in alignment with Group, regulatory, and industry food safety and quality requirements.  This responsibility includes leading the laboratory quality programs to ensure timely, accurate analytical results in accordance with ISO 17025 standards, good laboratory practices. This role oversees all laboratory operations from sample receiving to results reporting ensuring integrity of data, impartial result reporting, ensuring effective interface with quality production, purchasing, and central quality functions.

Schedule:

Monday-Friday 7:00a- 5:30p 

Weekend Rotation and Holiday Coverage as needed

•    Create schedule and assign daily duties for Micro Lab Analysts
•    Lead training, onboarding, qualification, and authorization of laboratory personnel.  Support performance feedback and professional development through coaching, knowledge transfer, and technical guidance.
•    Manage consumable inventory system
•    Manage and facilitate Preventative Maintenance and Calibration Programs
•    Manage Consumable Inventory System, Audit Activities, Calibration Program, and Preventative Maintenance Program
•    Implementation of new processes, verifications, and validation of effectiveness
•    Manage daily compliance of ISO 17025 standards
•    Method development and implementation – conduct studies, work with third party vendors
•    Coordinate audit activities for Micro Lab (pre-audit, during audit, and post audit) 
•    Facilitate proficiency testing 
•    Ensure all microbiological methods meet compliance requirements
•    Responsible for Good Laboratory Practices, including equipment monitoring and calibration as well as media preparation and biohazard disposal
•    Evaluate, develop, implement, and maintain microbiological testing procedures and programs; secure all appropriate documentation and/or follow-up as required; maintain internal control protocols by record keeping, troubleshooting, and escalation of known issues
•    Perform microbiological testing in the laboratory and work to develop new microbiological assays for in-house testing
•    Interpret microbiological data generated both internally and by third party testing facilities; report data and trends and initiate appropriate follow-up actions
•    Troubleshoot all testing/sampling abnormalities to ensure proper results are reported; initiate proper guidelines for corrective/preventative action immediately
•    Investigate product holds for microbiological reasons and make recommendations for appropriate actions based on scientific findings and/or company
•    Perform daily plant/lab inspections and manage the facilities environmental testing program; analyze results to ensure a microbiologically sound environment for production
•    Lead or support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities related to laboratory deviations, non-conformances, proficiency testing outcomes, or external laboratory performance.

•    BS/BA in Microbiology or equivalent area of study, with 3-5 years of experience in a food laboratory environment or equivalent of 5+ years’ experience in a laboratory environment within food manufacturing 
•    Advanced knowledge of microbiological lab procedures
•    Advanced knowledge and experience in PCR technique and PCR Interpretation required
•    Strong technical skills in interpretation of analytical results, equipment, and troubleshooting
•    Knowledgeable in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
•    Experience with managing compliance with ISO 17025 Laboratory Standard
•    Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HAACP 

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here .

The base salary range for this position is $70,000- $80,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at .

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
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Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.