Manager, Sr Lab Quality

Summary/Objective

The Laboratory Senior Quality Manager (Sr QM) will oversee the quality management program for our network of environmental laboratories. The ideal candidate will work closely with lab operations teams and local Quality Assurance (QA) Managers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal quality protocols. This role will be responsible for providing support, guidance, and oversight to lab sites, resolving quality-related issues, and driving continuous improvement in laboratory operations. The Sr QM has the responsibility and authority to evaluate the quality metrics and systems of laboratories under their purview and oversee and/or support the timely initiation and implementation of operational management’s corrective actions.

Essential Functions

·         Quality Management Program Development & Maintenance – Lead the implementation and ongoing management of a unified quality management system (QMS) across all laboratory sites. Regularly review and update QMS procedures and policies to ensure alignment with best practices and corporate/industry standards.

·         Quality Oversight & Compliance – Ensure all environmental laboratories within the network maintain compliance with ISO 17025, EPA guidelines, the NELAC Institute (TNI) standards, DOD/DOE, state/local regulatory requirements, and corporate quality standards, as appropriate, through review and validation of the local QA Manager’s data and reports [e.g. proficiency test (PT) reports and accrediting body materials].

·         Audit and Inspection Coordination – Plan and organize local audits as required by the schedule and requested by management. Support local QA managers in performing internal audits.

·         Issue Resolution – Ensure investigation and documentation of all non-conformance/non-compliance issues and customer complaints, identifying root causes and management’s timely resolution of necessary corrective actions.

·         Continuous Improvement – Establishes and monitors KPIs for quality and summarizes for management.

·         Documentation – Maintain corporate QA manual and monitor and help maintain consistency between local manuals.

·         Ethics – Perform the QA function independently and support local QA managers to maintain independence from operations.

·         Supervisory Role – Mentor other QA staff. Create productive and efficient systems through coaching and collaborative management.

·         Safety – Works safely, promotes safe work practices in others, and ensures adherence to established chemical hygiene plan partnering with the ATG Safety team.

·         Performs other duties as required, including support of the corporate Quality program.

Salary: 100k - 120k

Required Qualifications

·         Education – Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or relevant science. Advanced certifications in quality management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Auditor or Six Sigma) preferred.

·         Experience – Minimum of 7 years environmental laboratory experience; minimum of 4 years of QA experience required, preferably in more than one laboratory of at least 20 people.

·         Detailed knowledge of environmental regulations and requirements from TNI, DOD, DOE, and nongovernmental accrediting bodies.

·         Detailed understanding of the environmental lab industry and the ability to harmonize diverse processes.

·         Have general knowledge of the analytical methods and how instrument and general chemistry calibrations and QC are applied.

·         Demonstrated expertise in handling resolution of QA challenges, such as institution of significant corrective actions, or data recalls.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information to various stakeholders

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software

·         Working knowledge of data validation and reporting functional guidelines

·         Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

·         Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) required and familiarity with quality management software is a plus

·         Ability to communicate quality system values, rationale, principles, and ethics, and to coach quality and operational managers in the same

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Sr QM will manage others, the local QA Managers, through interdepartmental collaboration.

Work Environment

This job operates primarily in an office environment with some field support necessary to support specialty projects.

Physical Demands

This job operates in an office and/or laboratory setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. Must be able to meet the physical demands of a typical office environment. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Field visits will require walking, climbing, and observations.

Travel

Varies: Approximately 30% (but exceptionally up to 50% under critical conditions) – Periodic travel to support local QA Managers in-situ is required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Additional job-related duties may be assigned. Alliance reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary with or without notice.