Lab Superintendent

Summary

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
  • As a leader, has impact on others by setting the example for others to follow
• Leads and supports the Company’s Safety Values and Policies
• Responsible and accountable for the safety of all assigned personnel
• Manage and develop laboratory personnel
• Responsible for accurate testing of samples, validity of results, and process control standards for all tests
• Leads and investigates Out of Specification or Out of Trend results and process controls.
• Responsible for maintaining, communication and planning laboratory equipment up time and supplies, thought vendor relationships and monitoring
• Maintains frequent communication with processing, packaging and maintenance supervisors and personnel to discuss and check lab results
• Accountable for on time testing schedules and equipment maintenance and up time
• Discuss and establish new procedures with processing, packaging, and maintenance as needed.
• Quality Control/Laboratory Monthly, Weekly and KPI reporting and follow-up
• Responsible for experiment design of process studies, new methods, new products
• Manages revision adherence to Control Plan
• Maintain a high level of knowledge relating to lab testing completed on-site, and industry knowledge related to new technology, methods or equipment
• Active participation during technical meetings
• Responsible for laboratory department resource efficiency
• Motivate staff to support the goals of the business through performance and disciplinary action if needed
• Ensure that the duties of the supervisor are well respected and followed
• Document procedures for and perform various testing including baking, chemistry and microbiology
• Review and verify lab results with analysis and interpretation of results for quality, process and production
• Monitor results throughout day, check calculations, watch for abnormal results, request repeat tests, and audit technician’s procedures
• Maintain and continuously improve organization of lab area, equipment and supplies
• Ensure equipment is working properly; solve problems independently, or contact maintenance personnel or vendor as needed
• Assist in determining need for new equipment and/or staffing
• Manage preparation of Pure Culture, vitamin solutions and others as needed by the plant

Other duties as assigned

Deputy

• The deputies for this position are the Lab Supervisor and Quality Manager
• Serves as the deputy for the Lab Supervisor Position

 Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages Process & Technology Specialist, Lab Clerk & Lab Supervisor, who supervises the Lab Technician employees in the Laboratory Department. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Environmental, Safety, Quality, and Legal Requirements

Understand and follow:

• Environmental: Universal Waste, Hazardous Waste
• Safety: All applicable OSHA Rules and Regulations
• Quality: Quality Management System
• Legal: all pertinent Human Resources, Environmental and Safety Laws and Regulations

 Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years Supervisory/Management experience in an equivalent position in laboratory, food processing industry preferred
• Experience training and/or building teams
• Expertise of general laboratory practices is required
• Previous experience in baking is helpful
• Requires flexibility with time and schedule, must be versatile
• Intermediate to advanced experience in Microsoft 365 products SAP, and LIMS systems required
• Problem solving skills required in determining reasons for failure of particular tests
• Must be able to determine and resolve problems in a timely manner

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or similar field required. Previous Supervisory/Management experience in an equivalent position in food processing industry preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Ability to be CPR/First Aid certified required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

 Facial Hair Policy

Employees working in this position will be required to follow Red Star Yeast’s facial hair policy. This is due to requirement of this position to wear respiratory protection.