Job Description:

Everyday Mars Incorporated makes thousands of decisions that are informed by laboratory data. It is essential that Mars Associates have access to laboratory data that is accurate, reliable and timely to ensure consumer and brand protection, provide competitive advantage and enable operational excellence. The Regional Laboratory Sample Management Specialist strives to support customers from multiple Mars business segments through customer support, sample shipping/receiving, external data entry, and sample preparation. This role also works alongside and supports other MGS Laboratory teams such as the Regional Chemistry Laboratory, Regional Microbiology Laboratory, Regional Client Value Services team, and Regional Governance team to ensure compliance with business segment service level agreements.

The MGS Regional Laboratory is responsible for the delivery of microbiology and/or chemistry operational testing capability, laboratory governance and consultancy services for all segments of Mars Incorporated operating in their region. The main customers of the regional lab are Supply (manufacturing sites), Commercial and R&D functions.

This role will work on a Tuesday-Saturday schedule.

What are we looking for?

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a BS degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or food sciences, or equivalent work experience.

• High attention to detail.

• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, internet software, e-mail.

• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.

• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, internet software, e-mail.

• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.

What will your key responsibilities be?

• Tracking and management of sample transit

• Receive samples for both chemistry and microbiology laboratories, checking for sample integrity, sample quantity and verifying requested analyses.

• Ensure sample registration is done appropriately and completely.

• Oversee the distribution of testing to analytical and microbiology labs (where applicable)

• Operate, manage & maintain laboratory grinders and splitters in optimal operating condition.

• Ship samples to the external labs for all subcontracted analyses

• Lab consumables and reagents purchasing, receiving and storage, including stock management.

• Follow up with customers concerning missing samples, incorrect sample amounts, etc.

• Answer the daily regional lab customers queries related to sample submission, testing progress, partial results, results report, pricing, turnaround time (TAT) etc.

• Ensure all external lab results are entered and monitor late external results.

• Follow track and trace processes for international samples according to local or regional regulatory requirements.

• Dispose of samples after their retain period

• When appropriate, help to write/create documents for, and always follow laboratory quality management systems ISO 17025 and Mars Global Laboratory Quality Management System

• Participate in the management of non-conformities, customer complaints, and corrective/preventive actions.

• Follow quality, health and safety, and environmental requirements of the lab and site.

• Work as a team player, including open and honest communication.

• Respect the Mars 5 Principles and the Ethics and Compliance at Mars policy (i.e. conflicts of interest and confidentiality)

• Other duties as assigned by Line Manager

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.