Sample Handling Facility & Quality Assurance Lead
Do not pass up this chance, apply quickly if your experience and skills match what is in the following description.
Location: Based in our HQ, Toadsmoor Road, Brimscombe, Stroud.
Full time (Monday - Friday)
£30,000 per annum.
Our Company
Invivo Healthcare is a leading microbiome company dedicated to improving human health and ecology through innovative microbiome testing, research and supplements. As a Certified B Corp, Invivo Healthcare upholds the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Benefits
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Birthday off (after 1 year)
* 2 wellbeing days per year
* Matched Company pension scheme
* Private medical insurance
* Annual testing & supplement allowance
* Monthly wellbeing allowance
* Enhanced family policies
The Role.....
The Sample Handling Facility Lead oversees end-to-end sample management. This includes supporting systems development and general management of the sample handling facility. The role is responsible for handling samples returned after collection by patients, which involves specimen receipt and coordination with both internal and external stakeholders to facilitate shipping (locally and internationally as required) and inventory management. Additionally, the role supports quality-related processes, including preparation for audits, regulatory compliance and customer service activities relating to queries concerning samples.
This role ensures seamless operations and compliance with quality standards to support the delivery of diagnostic testing services.
Operational Leadership
* Coordinate and oversee daily sample related operations, ensuring alignment with company objectives, TATs, quality standards, and regulatory compliance. Provide guidance to senior leaders and stakeholders to maintain optimal performance, resolve issues effectively, and adhere to relevant regulations and policies.
* Leverage data analytics to drive insights into operational performance, environmental stewardship and social consciousness. Assist in the preparation of reports, forecasts, and updates for senior leaders.
* Act as the primary technical contact for advanced troubleshooting and incident resolution. Manage escalation processes to ensure timely, effective solutions
Facility Establishment
* Support the preparation of sample handling facility including setup of equipment, waste and inventory management, regulatory compliance, safety, systems and documentation.
* Develop protocols to ensure appropriate operational workflows.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to establish effective systems to resolve sample related queries and required technical support.
Sample Handling Daily Operations
* Oversee sample journey from arrival at facility, to shipment for analysis; including receipt of samples, storage, manifest preparation, and scheduling of shipments.
* Ensure compliance with IATA (UN3373), and other regulatory and safety standards, as relevant.
* Identify and coordinate with customer service to resolve samples not meeting acceptance criteria.
* Coordinate international sample shipments to Australia or third-party locations for laboratory processing.
* Liaise with external providers to appropriately manage supporting services; for example waste management, laundry and decontamination.
* Support adjacent operational teams in inventory management, and dispatch, as required.
Inventory and Resource Management
* Monitor consumable stock levels, forecast demand, and place orders. Conduct regular inventory audits and implement corrective actions. Manage supplier relationships and ensure delivery deadlines are met.
* Ensure resources, including staff, equipment, and consumables, are allocated effectively to meet current and future operational needs.
Process Improvement & Compliance
* Develop and maintain sample management SOPs, work instructions, risk assessments and other supporting documents.
* Participate in internal and external audits, as required.
* Identify opportunities to optimise logistic processes to enhance operations and customer experience.
Staff Supervision, Training & Development
* Lead, train, assess and mentor junior staff when required.
Equipment Management
* Evaluating, purchasing, reviewing, programming, and implementing training, regular operation, and maintenance of general and specialised equipment to develop and support operations.
Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
* Work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers, and courier services. Provide support and instruction to personnel on logistics procedures and quality standards. Serve as the primary point of contact for sample queries.
Professional Development
* Undertake training activities to maintain and develop knowledge and skills.
Workplace Health and Safety
* Maintain a safe working environment, report hazards, and comply with safety policies and procedures.
Governance, Leadership and Culture
* Comply with quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
Internal Communications and Team Updates
* Provide regular updates on stock levels, sample management progress, and any relevant delays or risks.
General Operations
* Contribute to cross-functional projects and support broader operational needs as required.
Personal Attributes:
Strong team facilitation skills and the ability to effectively lead and facilitate discussions and decision making This includes the ability to keep the team focused and on track.
Leaders should have a clear vision for their team's goals and objectives. They should be able to articulate this vision to their team members and inspire them to work towards it.
Flexible and open to change, with the ability to adjust to new tasks, challenges, and environments effectively.
Takes responsibility for their own actions, delivers on commitments, and is willing to acknowledge and learn from mistakes.
Organises work efficiently, prioritises tasks, and meets deadlines consistently.
Ensures accuracy and quality in all tasks, demonstrating a meticulous approach to their work.
Communicates clearly and effectively with colleagues, listens actively, and provides relevant input when needed.
Identifies issues proactively and applies critical thinking to develop effective solutions.
Demonstrates a desire to improve skills and knowledge, staying open to feedback and development opportunities.
Education and Experience
Essential
Secondary education, with experience of general business systems and processes.
Experience in troubleshooting technical issues, managing equipment, and overseeing process improvements.
Knowledge of general workplace health and safety procedures and waste management, ideally to CL2 standards.
Desirable
BSc/MSc in Biology, Microbiology or equivalent relevant qualification, Laboratory based experience with 1-2 years supervisory.
Prior involvement in resource planning, and facility management.
Strong familiarity with quality management systems and relevant regulatory standards; ISO 15189, CQC, IVDR.