Job Description

Laboratory Manager

Position Title: Laboratory Manager

Department: Quality Control Laboratory

Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Overview

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for directing all laboratory operations with a focus on quality assurance and safety. This individual will lead testing procedures, supervise lab personnel, and ensure that safety standards and compliance measures are strictly followed. The role plays a key part in maintaining high-quality production outcomes by monitoring processes at various stages and ensuring accuracy in testing and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to all lab operations and personnel.
• Train lab staff and plant operators in proper use of lab equipment and testing methodologies.
• Maintain consistent quality across all products by monitoring production conditions and providing timely updates to plant leadership.
• Operate and manage analytical equipment such as HPLC systems, moisture analyzers, brix refractometers, Karl Fischer titrometers, hydrometers, and water testing instruments.
• Communicate with suppliers of chemicals, enzymes, and yeast to optimize service, pricing, and access to technical resources.
• Develop standardized testing protocols to ensure accurate and reproducible results.
• Oversee inventory levels for lab chemicals and supplies.
• Facilitate specialized testing initiatives requested by operations leadership.
• Support R&D efforts by collaborating with the Plant Manager on new initiatives.
• Enforce and manage lab safety programs, contributing to facility-wide safety practices including PSM and PHA participation.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date safety documentation and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available.
• Prepare and submit compliance documentation and reports as required.
• Stay current with environmental regulations and fulfill relevant reporting requirements.
• Generate and submit weekly quality assurance updates.
• Participate in hiring and conduct evaluations of lab technicians to assess performance and development.
• Perform any additional tasks necessary for the efficient and safe operation of the lab and plant.
• Handle all information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Foster a productive and team-oriented lab culture with a focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience in lab operations, preferably within the ethanol or biochemical manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with safety compliance programs such as HACCP, food safety protocols, and PSM.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in a lab setting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working with computers and data analysis tools.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

The individual must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands and workplace conditions reflect those of a typical industrial lab environment.

Note

This job description is intended to summarize the general nature and responsibilities of the role. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or expectations. Employees may be required to perform duties outside their standard job functions as needed.

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