Microbiology Supervisor

Job Summary

The Microbiology Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the microbiology laboratory. This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality protocols. The supervisor will lead a team of lab analysts, manage testing schedules, and support continuous improvement initiatives to uphold Product Safety.

OVERVIEW

The Microbiology Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the microbiology laboratory. This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality protocols. The supervisor will lead a team of lab analysts, manage testing schedules, and support continuous improvement initiatives to uphold Product Safety.

REQUIREMENTS/ QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Food Science or related field.
• +3 years of experience in a food manufacturing quality role.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing methods and food safety standards.
• Experience with GMP, HACCP, environmental monitoring programs, and aseptic processing as per GLP requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Timely decision making
• Planning
• Problem solving
• Presentation Skills
• Priority setting
• Drive for results
• Developing direct reports and others

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise microbiology lab personnel, including training, scheduling, and performance management.

• Ensure timely and accurate microbiological testing of raw materials, finished goods, and environmental samples.

• Maintain compliance with FDA, FSMA, and other relevant food safety regulations.

• Review and approve lab results, investigate out-of-specification findings, and initiate corrective actions.

• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and validation of lab equipment.

• Manage documentation including SOPs, lab records, and quality reports.

• Define and track performance metrics for the laboratory.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Sanitation, Manufacturing Technology) to resolve quality issues.

• Support internal and external audits, including regulatory inspections and customer visits.

• Drive continuous improvement in lab processes and food safety programs.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS / INTERNAL CUSTOMER

• Quality Manager
• Product Safety Site Leader
• Process Engineers
• Production
• Global Quality

WORKING CONDITIONS

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more