Job Information
Conagra Director of Enterprise Microbiology & Scientific Services in Omaha, Nebraska
We are looking for a Director of Microbiology and Scientific Services to join our team in Omaha, Nebraska.
As the Director of Microbiology & Scientific Services , reporting to the Sr Director of Scientific Affairs, you will be responsible for leading the enterprise microbiology, microbiology laboratory, and microbiology research activities across the enterprise in Conagra Brands.
Position Responsibilities:
Lead and develop a team of microbiologists providing coaching, mentoring and performance management.
Oversee the development and implementation of microbiological standards, methods, and policies to ensure food safety and quality in alignment with regulatory and industry best practices
Represent ConAgra through influencing in external technical bodies, including governmental agencies on microbiological standards and methodology development towards food safety.
Oversee the microbiology lab operations, ensuring timely and accurate testing, reporting and troubleshooting of microbiological issues.
Provide microbiological expertise and support for innovation, renovation and continuous improvement projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as R&D, operations, quality, regulatory and external partners.
Provide manufacturing support across the enterprise including advising corporate Quality and plant personnel on validation of processes and equipment for microbiological effectiveness, investigation and completion of appropriate corrective actions when pathogens are identified in the EM programs or after hygienic restoration events, microbiological, including product disposition guidance.
Ensure laboratory adheres to ISO17025 standards.
Manage third party relationships including the administration and support of external microbiological contracts and third-party microbiological laboratory auditing program.
Monitor and evaluate emerging trends, technologies and regulations in microbiology and proactively identify and implement opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Develop and manage the budget and resources for the microbiology laboratory operations.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies regarding food safety laboratory and environmental programs
Position Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Engineering, or related field. Ph.D. or Master's in Microbiology, Food Science or related field highly preferred.
10+ years of experience in food microbiology in a leadership role.
Lab Management and Enterprise Microbiology (for food manufacturing) experience.
Strong knowledge of food microbiology, food safety& quality, verification, and regulatory requirements.
Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to lead and develop a high-performing team and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Ability to travel 25-40% of the time to manufacturing locations depending on business needs
Physical Requirements:
Sitting for up to 8 hours a day
Walking/Standing on various plant surfaces for up to 8 hours a day
Climbing to various heights via stairs or ladders on a regular basis
Pushing/pulling various plant materials and/or equipment
Inspect cramped/confined spaces
Exposure to manufacturing environments for up to 8 hours per workday to include loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions, dirt, fumes, smoke, smells and exposure to all food allergens
Frequent bending and/or crawling; must be able to move safely and freely around machinery
Lifting up to 40 lbs on occasion
We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.
Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. The company will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)!
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Our Benefits:
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
Our Company:
Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®.
We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com (https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2940510-1&h=2999397156&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.conagrabrands.com%2F&a=www.conagrabrands.com) .
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.