WBC Lead Laboratory Analyst

Job Description

Job Title:         WBC Lead Laboratory Analyst                      Location:  Corporate

Department:    Quality Assurance                                         

Position Summary:  The WBC Lead Laboratory Analyst  works in the lab to provide more advanced level work including hands on training to new hires, directing the activities of interns and/or temporary analysts, and closely overseeing the laboratory quality control standards and Good Laboratory Practices of the team to ensure test accuracy and data integrity. Assists the WBC QA Supervisor in administering the laboratory information system, identifying data trends, and researching product complaints.  Compiles and provides laboratory data from the laboratory information system to address root cause.  Supports the development and execution of food safety and quality systems for WBC such as GMP, HACCP, FSP and SQF programs. Leads laboratory work teams in completion of assignments.

Immediate Supervisor:  WBC QA Supervisor

Back Up:  WBC QA Supervisor

• Prioritize food safety best practices by following all processes and procedures as defined and escalating any food safety issues to the supervisor or manager

• Comply with all Wawa Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP”) policies and procedures.

• Work a rotating shift to perform Laboratory Analyst duties as necessary to maintain uninterrupted lab services to WBC Operations.

• Manage the calibration and preventative maintenance schedule of lab equipment. Work with outside vendors to make sure schedules are maintained. Perform internal checks, calibrations and maintenance when needed.

• Perform required updates and maintenance for the laboratory information system (QA Studio).  Partner with external partner and IT as needed to address any issues.

• Ensure accuracy of laboratory data by reviewing and updating laboratory standard operating procedures (“SOP”) manual as needed but at a minimum annually, provide hands on training to Laboratory Analysts, and implement effective corrective and preventative actions.

• Compile laboratory data and provide routine and follow up reporting to WBC QA and Operations leadership.

• Maintain the laboratory testing program to validate that ingredients, work in process and finished goods meet Wawa specification. Record, track and summarize laboratory test data.  Report significant trends to the WBC QA and Operations leadership.

• Maintain all regulatory records and procedures to ensure all the requirements of the Appendix N program for the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance are met.  Perform quarterly internal audit using 2400 form, implement corrective action to address nonconformities and report results to the WBC QA Supervisor.  Conduct biennial certification process with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to ensure lab and plant certification is maintained.   Review IMS records to ensure suppliers are approved for a Grade A plant.

• Function as lead for laboratory improvement efforts, hands on trainer of new hires and direct work for interns and temporary associates. Initiate appropriate SOP revisions and implement corrective and preventative actions that support continuous improvement.   

• Use discretionary judgment to ensure proper product disposition based upon quality assurance protocols. 

• Establish and maintain requirements compliant with current Good Laboratory Practices (“GLP”).  Prepare laboratory for participation in third party GLP audit.

• Perform day to day tasks for the environmental monitoring and sanitation effectiveness programs and assure that laboratory team adheres to the applicable schedule.  Work with operations and sanitation teams to make sure corrective actions are completed.

• Ensure appropriate inventory level of laboratory consumables to assure smooth operation of department and adherence to budget. Function as SAP backup to order necessary consumables in the absence of WBC QA Supervisor.

• Research and report on emerging laboratory and testing technology that is capable of lowering costs, improving accuracy and/or supporting achievement of business food safety and quality goals.

• Review and verify completion of laboratory and quality assurance records by signing off that work was completed as required according to the corresponding and current standard operating procedure.  Alert WBC QA Supervisor of nonconformities, implement appropriate corrective action, and maintain required documentation.

• Coordinate and control all required documents for Safe Quality Food (“SQF”) and regulatory compliance programs including Food Safety Modernization Act. 

• Participate in external audits of WBC facilities as needed including regulatory, SQF, GLP and third-party customer audits.  Assist in implementation of timely corrective action to non-compliances identified by audits.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work with little or no supervision
• Detail oriented and strong organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills
• Proven self-starter with demonstrated ability to make decisions
• Solid leadership skills
• Ability to adapt to an environment of constant change
• Performs the following physical behaviors frequently throughout their shift:  standing, walking and handling
• Performs the following physical behaviors occasionally throughout their shift:  reaching horizontally, reaching above the shoulder, reaching below waist, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, pushing, grasping firmly and pushing buttons
• Must be able to lift up to 40lbs
• Must be able to push/pull a cart with wheels that has up to 240lbs

• Obtain and maintain certified industry supervisor status for testing Animal Drug Residues as required by Appendix N of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.  Successfully complete annual PA Department of Agriculture Split Sampling program. 
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend work, multiple shifts, and some holidays

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field preferred
• 3 to 5 years of experience in a quality control laboratory in the food industry, dairy preferred
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated high level of proficiency in laboratory testing procedures, protocols and techniques
• Achieve certification from the PA Department of Agriculture as an approved Laboratory Director for Appendix N module within 1 year.
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory equipment with ability to perform basic troubleshooting
• Knowledge and understanding of computers and Microsoft programs

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected].

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.