Laboratory Planner

Job Opportunity: QC Laboratory Planner

We are looking for an organised and detail-oriented QC Laboratory Planner to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for efficiently managing and coordinating the testing schedules for raw materials and finished products. Your work will involve both immediate and long-term planning, including addressing non-routine testing needs like process validations, customer complaints, non-conformances, and training activities. Additionally, you will be pivotal in organising external testing efforts.

You will operate as a point of contact within the QC department, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication about testing progress and QC release statuses. Your collaboration will be key in ensuring that laboratory testing schedules are aligned with the business's goals and all parties involved. This itself is not a testing role but requires someone who understands the running of the labs and overseeing and scheduling of all the different areas.

The position will also require the effective use of planning tools, including the state-of-the-art SmartQC system, to optimise laboratory operations. You will be responsible for managing resources, schedules, and financial oversight to ensure smooth, cost-effective laboratory processes.

Main Responsibilities:

- Testing Schedule Management: Oversee and coordinate QC testing schedules for raw materials and finished products, ensuring timely execution aligned with production and business needs. You will forecast resource requirements, including staffing, equipment, and consumables.
- Resource Coordination: Ensure optimal allocation of laboratory personnel and equipment. You will monitor resource utilization and ensure the efficient use of available capacity.
- Financial Management: Collaborate with finance and procurement to ensure budget adherence. Monitor QC costs, from supplies and equipment to personnel usage, and suggest cost-saving initiatives where applicable.
- Process Optimisation: Continuously look for opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency. Partner with QC and other teams to implement improvements that reduce lead times and better utilize available resources.
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identify potential risks related to testing capacity, resource shortages, or scheduling conflicts. Proactively create contingency plans to minimize disruptions to QC operations.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Regularly analyse performance data related to QC operations, including testing turnaround times, resource utilisation, and cost-efficiency. Prepare reports for management, offering insights and actionable recommendations for ongoing process improvement.
- System Utilization: Leverage the capabilities of systems to monitor and optimize testing activities. You will use this tool to track workloads, prioritise tasks, and maintain adherence to QC timelines. Feedback for system improvement will be part of your role as well.
- Collaboration Across Teams: Work in close partnership with other departments, including production, supply chain, and R&D, to ensure alignment between QC testing schedules and the overall production timeline. Act as the QC representative in various planning meetings.

Qualifications:

- A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Quality Management, Operations, Laboratory Sciences, or Business).
- Complete right to work in Ireland as no sponsorship provided.
- At least 3 years of experience in a planning, scheduling, or operations role, ideally within a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with laboratory planning tools; SmartQC experience is a plus.
- Strong financial skills with experience in managing budgets and performing cost analysis is a plus.
- Ability to mutli-task, organise and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as Excel or Power BI.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities and proactive risk management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience in Quality Control or Laboratory Operations.
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Project management experience or certification.

Morgan McKinley is acting as an Employment Agency and references to pay rates are indicative.

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