Lab Supervisor

Job Description:

Under limited direction, this position is responsible for coordinating the testing of analytical samples and reviewing test results and quality assessment data. This position is also responsible for providing skilled technical oversight in the laboratories, serves as a resource to departments outside their area of primary responsibility, and works with other team members to ensure timely and quality test results.

Key Responsibilities:

(The Company may, from time to time, change the nature of the employee’s job responsibilities.)

• Supervise the lab technicians and support all lab staff
• Manage the sample load, including all outside testing, based on sample priorities
• Deliver samples for  3rd party testing
• Ensure all requirements for third party testing are met, including those for sample submission, tracking, reviewing, and reporting
• Perform internal investigations for production-based issues in response to out-of-specification lab findings
• Review all lab data for accuracy and consistency
• Enter lab results into the database and release all raw materials and finished products
• Maintain all lab-based SOP's
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the lab
• Handle all instrument preventative maintenance and service calls with vendors
• Maintain the supply of all required lab consumables for daily operations
• Provide and support a team based working atmosphere
• Release all raw materials based on in house testing, other Wright testing, and vendor COA's
• Handle all incoming samples from Modesto and scan results back to them promptly daily
• Handle all incoming samples from Crowley and scan results back to them promptly daily
• Handle all incoming samples from R&D and make COA's for them promptly roughly weekly
• Help other Wright Labs troubleshoot blends/instruments remotely
• Help other Wright Labs with any preparation/standards needed.
• Send R&D any necessary raw materials that Plain City has and they need for blends
• Assist R&D and formulations on any new blends they are developing
• Assist other Wright Labs with any lab equipment/consumables if needed
• Flip any raw materials to WS from WE if needed for Plain City blends
• Investigate any customer complaints
• Communicate with Customer Service/Shipping any testing questions, especially turn around time

Minimum Training, Education, and Experience Requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field
• Experience level: 3-5 years in a manufacturing lab
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: General knowledge regarding HPLC, ICP, FTIR, and general wet chemistry techniques; Analytical experience a plus

Key Metrics:

The Lab Supervisor is held accountable but not limited for the following metrics as they relate to the operational area assigned. 

• Attendance
• Customer Complaints
• Resamples
• Reworks
• Testing completed in time for shipments

Behavior Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
• Moderate noise
• Possible exposure to chemical odors
• Hazardous chemical handling including caustics, acids, and flammable hydrocarbons (PPE including gloves, aprons, glasses, and hoods are available and required when handling certain chemicals.)
• Long periods of sitting and standing
• Lifting a maximum of 20 lbs
• Travel to other locations may be required