Pernod Ricard: Microbiologist Jobs

At Pernod Ricard, your safety and well-being are our top priority. As of December 1,2022, Covid vaccinations will not be required of new and existing employees, but we strongly encourage everyone to follow local public health recommendations, including keeping vaccinations up to date.

The salary range for this role, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $50,200 to $75,400, range will vary if outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Position Summary

This position supports the culture that drives behavior towards excellence. You will ensure the highest standards of quality and food safety. Key responsibilities will be to provide quick and efficient analytical and technical expertise to support production and ensure a consumer centric focus. Cross functional collaboration internal and external is integral to this role. Other responsibilities will include leveraging data collection and trends, standardization and streamline processes to drive continuous improvement.

Accountabilities

Microbiological Analysis

• Encourage and enforce Good Lab Practices and Aseptic Technique in the micro lab.
• Maintain lab and resources necessary for testing of product.
• Oversee the implementation and correct application of microbiological testing methods, including developing work instructions, training, and coaching of technicians.
• Perform routine micro analysis, recording, and reporting of results on ingredients, resources, and finished products.

Product Quality Support (Conformance to Specifications)

• Maintain up-to-date training records on methods used in the Product Quality lab. When not performing main functions in microbiology lab, assist with testing as needed. Including but not limited to Proof, Weight-per-gallon, pH, Brix, Color, Turbidity, Acidity, GC-FID analysis, obscurations, sensory, and headspace analysis. Record and maintain accurate results.
• Report nonconformance to appropriate personnel.

Sensory Program Administration & Organoleptic Analysis

• Maintain current sensory references, including requesting new samples and placing them on panel for approval, rotating old samples, and appropriate labeling.
• Support wash evaluation and development plant-wide, including analyzing headspace on NGS washes, providing instructions for wash steps to bottling, providing input to scheduling dept. Regarding product order related to washes, and suggesting improvements for potential trials to reduce wash time.
• Participate in and lead sensory analysis of bottled and RTD alcohol products. Set-up and take down daily panels.
• Support for any special projects related to Sensory i.e. Plant-Wide triangles.
• Routine oversight (monthly awards, training where necessary, troubleshooting Sensory program, evaluation/training/coaching of new/existing panelists).
• Maintain sensory records.

Quality Management Systems and EH&S

• Must follow written PPE requirements and abide by all safety guidelines outlined in procedures and work instructions.
• Support the Pernod Ricard Safety Culture initiative and report any safety risk or concerns to department management.
• Achieve the corporate objective on lost time accident.
• Updating and documenting new procedures and instruction in regard to laboratory testing and equipment calibration.
• Employees are required to report all accidents, incidents, and near-misses immediately. These would include all non-disabling and disabling injuries and occupational illnesses, fatalities, fires, and explosions, property damage, chemical spills, and any incident having the potential for property damage or personal injury. Usage of SIRC cards to drive safety improvements not related to incidents.
• Responsible for ensuring that Process Quality Assurance is maintaining ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 22000/FSSC2200, GMP and HACCP records. Utilize CAM as needed to input WO’s in order to drive repairs aimed towards improving performance.

Special Projects/Miscellaneous

• Continuously look for areas to improve (non-value-added tasks)
• Maintaining inventory of lab items and ordering. Searching for a choosing the best prices, when possible and it does not affect quality.
• Continuous improvement to lab procedures.
• Experiments targeting Quality Assurance System improvements aimed towards increasing department efficiency and/or collaboration with other departments/customers.
• Cross-training with Packaging lab to be able to support the Packaging side as one Quality Team.
• Participate in Continuous improvement teams when needed.

Continuous Improvements

• Participate in Continuous improvement teams when needed.
• Continuously look for areas to improve (non-value-added tasks).
• Continuous improvement to lab procedures.

Requirements

• Prior lab work
• Bachelor's degree (4 year) or equivalent

Pernod Ricard USA offers competitive compensation, performance bonuses and domestic & international career development opportunities.

Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Offers will be subject to United States local terms.

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