He/she will lead and manage the site microbiology laboratory, ensuring all quality testing activities for raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods are executed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety standards and company requirements.   Manages day-to-day microbiology lab operations and ensures timely documentation of QA test results in designated systems (e.g., ERP QM). Executes and monitors the site's microbiological testing program for raw materials, packaging, WIP, and finished goods in line with company specs and regulatory requirements. Selects appropriate testing methods, maintains instrument calibration, and ensures accurate, reproducible results against microbiological specifications. Enforces GLP, housekeeping, waste disposal, and food safety regulations; organizes ring tests to validate method performance. Ensures lab equipment is safe and operational; manages retains, media, and reagents inventory. Maintains the site's calibration and preventive maintenance program for all testing equipment to ensure data integrity. Trends microbiological data to identify supplier quality issues and support manufacturing process improvement. Provides microbiological method expertise and data analysis to support quality loss reduction initiatives. Supports innovation trials, equipment qualification, and launch monitoring plans to ensure new products and processes meet microbiological safety standards.