QC Microbiology Lab Supervisor

Overview

CLS is currently going through an unprecedented and exciting period of growth and development and is looking for dedicated, solutions driven team members with a flexible approach, who want to be part of the company's continued success.

Founded in 1994, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) is the highest accredited contract laboratory in Ireland, providing industry-leading sampling and analysis; and fully trained micro and analytical analysts on contract to clients in the food, environmental, medical device, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

We offer bespoke managed service solutions that give clients the option of having our expert team on-site at their own facility or outsourcing those services to us here at CLS.

The Role

We are currently seeking a Microbiology QC Lab Supervisor to lead and oversee microbiological testing activities within a regulated Quality Control laboratory environment. This role will be responsible for coordinating day to day laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with GMP requirements, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and data integrity.

The successful candidate will manage a team of microbiology analysts and act as a key liaison with client personnel, ensuring all testing is completed in accordance with approved methods, regulatory expectations, and service level agreements. This is a critical leadership role with responsibility for performance, compliance, and continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily microbiology laboratory activities, ensuring all testing is completed in line with GMP, client procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Lead and manage a team of microbiology analysts, providing guidance, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Act as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders in relation to microbiology QC operations and service delivery.
• Ensure all microbiological testing (e.g. environmental monitoring, bioburden, endotoxin testing, sterility testing, microbial identification) is performed accurately and within required timelines.
• Review and approve laboratory data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with data integrity requirements (ALCOA+ principles).
• Monitor laboratory KPIs and metrics, ensuring targets are achieved and investigating any deviations or out of specification (OOS) results.
• Lead or support investigations relating to deviations, OOS/OOT results, and non conformances, ensuring timely closure and appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensure all team members are fully trained and qualified, maintaining up to date training records and competency assessments.
• Oversee method verifications, validations, and transfers where required.
• Ensure laboratory compliance through effective documentation practices, audit readiness, and adherence to quality systems.
• Maintain laboratory facilities and equipment, including:
  • Ensuring appropriate cleaning, sanitisation, and aseptic practices
  • Monitoring environmental conditions and temperature controlled systems
  • Coordinating calibration, maintenance, and qualification of equipment
  • Ensuring adequate stock and availability of media, reagents, and consumables
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, compliance, and quality performance.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections as required.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by the client or CLS management.

Who You Are

• A strong leader with a proactive and solutions driven mindset.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced QC environment.
• Detail oriented with a strong focus on quality, compliance, and data integrity.
• An effective communicator, confident in engaging with both laboratory teams and client stakeholders.
• Committed to maintaining high standards and driving continuous improvement.

Where You Come From

• A degree in Microbiology or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Significant experience working in a GMP regulated microbiology laboratory (pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or medical device).
• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a QC microbiology setting.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological techniques such as environmental monitoring, sterility testing, endotoxin testing, and microbial identification.
• Solid understanding of GMP, data integrity requirements (ALCOA+), and quality systems.
• Experience in client facing environments or contract laboratory services is advantageous.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work in a high profile large pharmaceutical company.
• A collaborative and dynamic working environment with strong career progression opportunities.
• Ongoing training and professional development.