Lab Superintendent

Lesaffre Group•Cedar Rapids, IA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
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
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
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
Ability to be CPR/First Aid certified required

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in baking is helpful
Previous Supervisory/Management experience in an equivalent position in food processing industry preferred

Responsibilities

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
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.