Find The RightJob.
Lab Manager
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is responsible for managing the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program for the ethanol plant to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, while supporting policies, goals and objectives of the company.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
- Manage plant QA/QC program.
- Initiate and implement plant QA/QC program based on GLP (good laboratory practice) and the best practices in the ethanol industry.
- Monitor use and inventories of laboratory chemicals and supplies. Initiate re-ordering when necessary.
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, including HPLC, IC, GC, and Karl Fischer titrators.
- Prepare reports, analyze data and make recommendations for improving operations or solving process related problems.
- Sample various points in the process and conduct QA/QC tests as required.
-
Order Process Chemicals as needed.
- Monitor usage of chemicals used in fermentation to ensure an adequate supply.
- Negotiate prices and terms, when appropriate, to maximize savings.
-
Supervise laboratory technicians.
- Ensure that technicians are adequately trained, equipped and motivated, so that the QA/QC program can be accomplished in a safe, timely and cost-effective manner.
- Assist with hiring of laboratory personnel. Perform 1-on-1 meetings, annual reviews and prepare development plans for technicians.
- Assist with conducting employee performance reviews based on job descriptions to determine competency, knowledge and contribution of the process operators.
- Maintain and update SOPs (standard operating procedures) for the QA laboratory. Ensure that technicians and operators are trained on the most recent version of the procedures.
-
Monitor plant QA/QC parameters.
- Review the operation of the plant continuously to monitor production and quality, to solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Initiate and carry out projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
- Maintain adequate records on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, of key QA/QC variables.
-
Maintain safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.
- Ensure county, state, and federal regulations relating to the QA laboratory are met at all times.
- Direct, maintain, and enforce the safety program for the QA laboratory; review safety records to uphold standards of maximum safety for all laboratory technicians.
- Ensure effective participation by the process operators in the implementation of QA/QC policies and procedures.
- Maintain environmental control program including testing and reporting as required by regulatory agencies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree from four-year college/university in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific or technical field
Required Knowledge
& Experience: 3-5 years’ experience in a QA laboratory in a dry-mill ethanol plant
or related industry required.
Experience with implementing effective QA/QC programs.
In-depth knowledge of fermentation and distillation as they relate to the ethanol production process.
Experience with environmental testing and reporting
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.
Knowledge of general office equipment required.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Skills/Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong basic math skills
Ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal and external customers.
Ability to maintain good relationships with internal and external customers, use tact and diplomacy, and possess a customer service focus.
Strong analytical abilities, problem solving skills, negotiation skills, dispute resolution, and ability to overcome obstacles.
Manage multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy.
Ability to anticipate needs and accomplish necessary tasks.
Strong motivational ability
Act with honesty and integrity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION
Time will be spent in a temperature-controlled office-based environment at the Laboratory office within the plant. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Able to view computer screen for lengths at a time. Some time will be spent in the plant. All types of chemical industry equipment are used in the plant to include, but not limited to fermentation vessels, jet cookers, agitators, mixing and milling equipment, distillation columns, centrifuges, and distributive control systems. May be exposed to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, extreme hot and cold depending on weather conditions. Must be able to speak and listen clearly. Fine visual acuity to read for accuracy. For more detail, please review the ADA questionnaire on file in Human Resources.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH: This job may require lifting of up to 50 pounds occasionally.
INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS
All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.
Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
© 2026 Qureos. All rights reserved.