• Oversee and manage daily laboratory operations, ensuring accurate and efficient food safety and quality testing across microbiological, chemical, and physical parameters. Develop and enforce laboratory policies, procedures, and best practices.


• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration and proper functioning.


• Develop, implement, and enforce laboratory policies, procedures, and best practices in alignment with HACCP, ISO 22000, ISO 17025, BRC, FSMA, GMP, and other relevant food safety and regulatory requirements. Conduct internal audits and coordinate with regulatory bodies for external audits.


• Maintain documentation and reports on food safety and quality control measures.


• Oversee microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.


• Identify and investigate quality deviations and recommend corrective actions.


• Implement new testing methodologies and technologies to improve efficiency.


• Lead and train laboratory staff on food safety protocols, testing procedures, and best practices.


• Evaluate team performance and provide feedback for professional development.


• Ensure proper scheduling and workload distribution among laboratory personnel.


• Collaborate with production and R&D teams to enhance product quality.


• Stay updated on emerging trends, regulations, and advancements in food safety testing.


• Recommend process improvements based on data-driven insights.


• Enforce laboratory safety protocols to prevent contamination and hazards.


• Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.


• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety training programs.


• Customer & Business Development Responsibilities:


• Manage relationships with external customers, suppliers, and third-party testing laboratories, ensuring seamless coordination for quality assurance and compliance.


• Act as the primary technical liaison for customer inquiries, complaints, and quality-related concerns, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.


• Identify and develop new business opportunities by offering value-added laboratory services, including specialized testing and consulting.


• Ensure customer expectations align with laboratory capabilities, turnaround times, and quality standards.


• Track customer feedback and market trends to continuously improve laboratory services and enhance competitiveness.


• Take care of health, safety and environmental impact both personally, and for others who may be affected in the workplace. Cooperate with the Company and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal and company requirements


• Perform other responsibilities and tasks as directed in order to meet organizational objectives; this may include providing assistance to other business units pertinent to job function, participating in routine checks and inspections and supporting on activities in the absence of other colleagues


• Adapt to, and participate in, any programs/changes in Mezzan including but not limited to strategic initiatives, operational initiatives and performance uplift tasks; conduct any relevant work that may result from these changes as an integral part of this job description and employment contract


• Helps support the organization in any events such as claims by contractors, dispute reviews and participation in arbitration

Skills

• Technical expertise, leadership, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of safety and compliance.


• Excellent communication skills


• A strong understanding of the lab's specific scientific field.


• Ability to manage and lead a team of lab technicians, assistants, and researchers.


• Highly proficient with data management and analysis.