Supervisor, Microbiology Lab (1st shift) - Sturgis, MI Plant

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Job Title

Supervisor, Microbiology Lab (1st Shift)

Working at Abbott  

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: 

• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled   

• Training and career development , with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance

• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plan 

• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1  

• Vacation – 120 hours of accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 3 personal days + 10 paid holidays  

• Retiree Healthcare program 

• Robust 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match 

• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree. 

• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.

• A stable company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities 

• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity   

This position works out of our Sturgis, MI location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives. 

For over 70 years, Abbott’s Sturgis, Mich. , has been impacting its community while producing products that provide essential nutrition to millions of families around the world. Working here, you’ll feel part of a family that is dedicated to making a difference and helping others. 

What You’ll Work On  

The Microbiology Lab Supervisor is responsible for the overall results for a single shift of a 7-day, multi-shift laboratory operation. They coordinate activities for the shift team to ensure delivery of all key performance metrics, including those in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Quality, Finance, Productivity and People.

• Lead efforts required to deliver quality and compliance performance for the shift,

• Initiate, manage, and make decisions which impact product quality.

• Manage budget accountability for headcount, overtime (OT), and direct expenses for a shift.

• Track, trend and continuously improve budgetary performance for headcount, OT, direct expenses, lab efficiencies, scrap and Cost Improvement Projects (CIPs).

• Drive lab efficiencies and Master Schedule Performance (MSP) objectives; understand drivers and develop and execute plans around improvement of lab performance and quality metrics.

• Understand all key performance indicators; develop, drive and lead the execution of plans through utilization and involvement of team and support resources.

• Drive a culture of engagement through the team and department.

• Directly supervise team and participate in staffing activities.

• Develop personnel; secure appropriate training, provide mentoring and assign progressively challenging responsibilities within the scope of the team and department accountabilities.

• Model behaviors that support a continuously improving EHS culture; engage with employees and other key stakeholders to ensure all EHS requirements are met, inclusive of internal and external regulatory objectives and direction. Coach and direct individuals to deliver EHS performance for themselves, their team, and department.

• Prepare for and actively participate in internal and external EHS audits and incident/accident investigation and reporting, and the timely implementation of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).

• Model behaviors that ensure delivery of high-quality products for our customers while maintaining compliance with Abbott, division, and plant policies and procedures; meet all local and statutory requirements, and adhere to the regulatory requirements of countries to which products are shipped.

• Prepare for and actively participate in internal and external Quality audits and incident investigation and reporting, and the timely implementation of CAPAs.

• Lead the operation of the plant microbiology QA laboratories, comprised of the following functions: a. Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), including equipment swabs, air samples, retort cooling water, ingredient water, and product samples. b. Biochemical characterization and identification. c. Raw material, in process, and finished product testing. d. Methods and procedures are appropriately followed. e. CAPA activities are followed through to completion.

• Provide direction and technical expertise to microbiology laboratory personnel and to the plant.

• Provide leadership during problem-solving situations related to microbial issues.

• Model a thorough understanding of what drives product costs, profitability and cash flow for the shift and within the department, while operating within budget, material utilization, and CIP goals. Manage budget accountability for headcount, OT, and direct expenses for a shift and/or line. Track, trend and continuously improve budgetary performance for headcount, OT, direct expenses, scrap, and CIPs.

• Understand financial statements, key performance measures, and provide input for all line budgetary decisions. Develop the skills necessary to manage financial budgetary line items involving headcount, OT, and scrap reduction. Share in the preparation of the annual budget and updates.

• Financial accountability up to $ 2 MM USD.

• Promote and drive CIPs; utilize common problem-solving tools and methodologies in processes and procedures within the shift/operating line/department for root cause analysis and resolution of issues.

• Actively plan and organize the day-to-day laboratory operations and schedules.

• Anticipate and drive proper alignment and prioritization between the lab and production teams.

• Model the organization’s values; provide effective leadership, direction, development and support to the team.

• Ensure team members are trained and understand duties, responsibilities, and performance relative to established expectations.

• Provide timely coaching, counseling and feedback.

• Develop all line personnel; secure appropriate training, provide mentoring and assign progressively challenging responsibilities within the scope of the team and department accountabilities.

• Draft own goals, and lead the development of team goals and growth planning. Create a learning environment and support individuals learning and development plans.

• Ensure delivery of effective performance management while establishing and sustaining a positive work environment.

• Execute on-time performance reviews for direct reports.

• Establish a communications framework that ensures timely and relevant transfer of information across all levels and functional areas of the organization.

• Ensure compliance with all HR practices, policies and procedures.

• Effectively use rewards and recognition programs.

• Champion positive employee relations; maintain a high-profile presence on the floor, directly engage with employees, model regular and open communications, and encourage knowledge sharing and the open exchange of ideas.

• Ensure lab test results reflect compliance to plant, division, and corporate guidelines and procedures.

• Attend plant quarterly quality review meetings to communicate and oversee microbiological issues.

• Track capital requests for laboratory equipment and facilities.

You’ll be accountable for meeting our compliance standards including FDA, OSHA and Abbott policies and procedures. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Food Technology, or Technical with 2 years' experience in a laboratory in a regulated industry OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated problem solving skills

• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing support laboratory

• Demonstrated leadership skills

• Experience using project planning tools

• Plant financial understanding

• Computer skills (MS Office)

Preferred Qualifications

• Green Belt / Lean Six Sigma tools

• Experience working with and implementing CIPs

• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Pre-Employment Inquiries and Citizenship | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)  

* Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year. 

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: 

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity and Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity. 

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The base pay for this position is $61,300.00 – $122,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.]]><