QC Microbiology Supervisor

Job Title

QC Microbiology Supervisor

Location

Cork, Ireland. Fully on-site.

Job Summary

The Supervisor plays a key role in continuous improvement, regulatory readiness, and fostering a strong Right First Time (RFT) culture within the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure microbiology testing activities comply with GMP, GLP, GDP, EU GMP, ISO 17025, ISO 22716, and internal quality systems.
• Oversee and perform routine and non-routine microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring samples.
• Review, approve, trend, and interpret microbiological data, test results, and laboratory documentation prior to release.
• Support and lead investigations, deviations, non-conformances, and CAPA related to microbiology testing, including OOS and OOT results.
• Oversee qualification, calibration, and maintenance of microbiology laboratory equipment, utilities, and controlled environments.
• Support method development, validation, verification, and method transfer activities for microbiological methods.
• Promote a strong Right First Time (RFT), data integrity, contamination control, and quality culture within the microbiology laboratory.

• Author, review, and approve QC Microbiology SOPs, test methods, and controlled documentation.
• Ensure microbiology laboratory documentation is accurate, complete, compliant, and inspection-ready.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, compliance, and robustness of microbiology laboratory operations.

• Supervise, coach, and mentor QC Microbiology analysts.
• Plan daily work allocation, shift schedules, and holiday coverage to ensure uninterrupted microbiology laboratory operations.
• Manage performance, training, competency, and authorization of analysts.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance, and safety-focused team environment.

• Collaborate with QC Chemistry, QC Validation, QA, Production, Engineering, R&D, and Regulatory Affairs to support site objectives, contamination control strategies, and testing demands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline (Master's degree desirable).
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in a Quality Control microbiology laboratory environment with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience working within EU GMP, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 22716, and controlled documentation systems.
• Experience using laboratory informatics systems such as LIMS, QMS, and microbiology-related electronic systems.
• Experience supporting QC activities in regulated manufacturing environments such as cosmetics, food, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, or similar industries.