Laboratory Manager
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing all facets of the department focusing on the key metrics of safety, product safety, product quality, efficiency, cost management, and employee development. This role requires strong technical expertise, effective cross functional communication skills, and the ability to lead and develop a high performing team. The performance results of this role are based on outcomes that focus on maximizing ethanol, corn oil, and protein yields. The Lab Manager is responsible for ensuring the plant's compliance with all applicable food safety regulations (21 CFR 507) to ensure the safety and legality of the products produced, and 3rd party feed safety certifications (GMP+, where applicable).
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :
Operations Fermentation & Cost Control
- Accountable for the fermentation process key performance indicators, specifically fermentation health, efficiency, and optimization of ethanol yield
- Accountable for the adherence to consistent fermentation recipe management
- Accountable for the inventory management and cost control of chemicals, yeast, and enzymes used in the production of ethanol and its co-products
- Leading and / or supporting projects that improve plant efficiencies and reduce operating costs
- Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team who collaborates with Operations to ensure continuity and optimize the fermentation process
Laboratory
Comply with all company safety policies and ensure all work performed in the lab is performed safelyResponsible for providing direction and training to laboratory technicians and process operators (when applicable) on the performance of sample tests as defined in the Laboratory Skill Block; completing proficiency testing programs, as directedResponsible for the calibration and maintenance of all laboratory testing equipment to ensure the accuracy and precision of all tests performed on in-process and final product samplesManage the inventories of all laboratory chemicals, sampling supplies, and testing suppliesMaintain lab and production records, as directed, of all identified processing parameters and final product specificationsMonitor plant performance by reviewing lab data, and process monitoring trends; prepare reports and make data-driven recommendations for the continuous improvement of the plant performance and troubleshoot product quality and process related issuesMaintain and update plant-managed laboratory work instructions, forms and manualsFood Safety / Quality Assurance
Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of all food safety and quality assurance programs as directed by the Director of Quality ManagementConduct verification inspections and audits to ensure the plant's compliance with all Food Safety and Quality Management Systems, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), prerequisite programs, manufacturing processes, plant environment, and finished product to ensure complianceLead the plant's HACCP and Food Safety Team meetings and maintains records of all meetingsLead the plant's Recall Team meetings and conducts 2 mock recalls annuallyLead the plant team through the investigation and root cause analysis of product defects, product adulterations, food safety / quality incidents, customer complaints, audit findings, recalls or other quality / food safety failures; maintains accurate records for all investigations and provide responses as requiredProvide food safety training to all new plant employees and to the plant team annually or more frequently, as neededResponsible for preparing and leading the plant through all regulatory, third party and customer auditsQualifications
Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a four-year college or University in a related scientific or technical field requiredCertifications in both Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) preferred; must get certified in both within 6 months of hire dateFour years of experience in Fermentation and Laboratory Management in a dry-mill ethanol plant preferredExperience with implementing and maintaining effective feed safety and quality programsIn-depth knowledge of fermentation as they relate to the ethanol production processTo perform this job successfully, you must have expertise and proficiency in laboratory and office computer software, (e.g. LIMS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, JMP, Outlook, lab equipment control software)Experience with troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipmentValid driver's license requiredWork Environment / Physical Demands :
Must occasionally lift and / move up to 50 lbs.Regular exposure to work near mechanical parts while performing the duties of this jobRegular exposure to high noise environmentsRegular exposure to outside weather in all conditionsMay be exposed to dusty conditionsMay be exposed to chemicals used in the processGreen Plains Inc. offers competitive pay : a generous benefit package including business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k)-retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees of Green Plains Inc. will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Company Description : Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ : GPRE) is a leading biorefining company advancing the transition to a low-carbon world through the production of renewable fuels and sustainable, high-impact ingredients. The company leverages agricultural, biological, and fermentation expertise to transform annually renewable crops into low-carbon energy and sustainable feedstocks. Green Plains is actively deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions, with three of its facilities set to begin carbon capture later this year. Through innovation and operational excellence, Green Plains is reducing the carbon intensity of its products while delivering value to stakeholders.
