Lab Supervisor

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

The Quality and Food Safety Supervisor manages the daily operation of the Quality Control Laboratory which includes the testing of raw materials, intermediate, and finished products. Implements and sustains Good Laboratory Practices in the Quality Control Laboratory and Operations test areas. Manages and evaluates the performance of the laboratory technicians. Communicates directly with the internal customers (operations team), supports commercial (sales) team with information and data, conducts performance evaluation of laboratory technicians, and reports directly to the site Food Safety and QA/QC Manager.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations:

• Oversees testing in all site laboratories to ensure the quality and food safety of the final product
• Ensures all lab equipment is operating properly, is fully maintained and is within calibration
• Implement cross check program amongst operations and laboratory personnel.
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all laboratories and updates as necessary to maintain accuracy and repeatability.
• Trains other laboratory personnel and operators on new or updated laboratory equipment, and periodically audits sampling and analytical technique and analysis results.
• Able to do general maintenance of analyzers and troubleshooting of lab equipment and software issues.  Coordinates repair complex equipment or issues with equipment PM service providers when necessary.
• Manages Preventive Maintenance and Service agreements on all laboratory equipment.
• Modifies or upgrades equipment.  Purchases capital expenditure items and equipment needed by the lab
• Conducts analysis Gauge R & R checks, analyses the data, and coordinates improvement and correction activity when necessary to maintain analysis accuracy and dependability.
• Establishes and updates inventory list of supplies to ensure efficient laboratory operations
• Develops or improves laboratory methods consistent with the Official Methods in Reference Standards (ASTM, EN, AOCS).
• Understands NOPA Guideline for shipping and sampling soybean meal and audits program for compliance with guidelines. 
• Able to create charts and graphs in Minitab or similar software for reports and presentations
• Configures, maintains and monitors Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generates reports as appropriate
• Leads lab design for new products as they are incorporated into the plant. 
• Reviews and approves Certificates of Analysis to confirm results against specifications.
• Manages and conduct performance evaluation of non-exempt laboratory technicians.
• Schedules coverage for absences of laboratory technicians when required.
• Documents non-compliance to work standards, provide feedback, retraining, and discipline when necessary
• Validates hours worked by laboratory staff and verifies compensation is correct.
• Able to fill in for the Food Safety and QA/QC Manager as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the site Food Safety and QA/QC Manager.

• Assists with production and certification sample analysis when needed and assists with trouble shooting activities to bring the process back into control.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of tactics and strategies to optimize plant efficiency in order • to maximize yield
• Acts as Liaison between production, commercial, and laboratory

• Understands and complies with GMPs, Food Safety management systems (including FSSC 22000) requirements and is trained as an internal Food Safety Auditor
• Actively participates on the facility Quality and Food/Feed Safety Steering Teams to monitor and improve the facility GMPs, Food Safety management systems (including FSSC 22000) is trained as an internal Food Safety Auditor
• Coaches others in development, implementation and revisions of the plant Food Safety and Quality programs
• Contributes to the development and implementation of facility Quality and Food Safety audits

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Minimum Required Education and Experience.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, biochemistry or other science-related field 

Experience:

• One to Two years’ experience supervising a laboratory
• One year or more experience in a manufacturing facility
• One year or more experience managing projects
• One year or more analytical chemistry experience in a vegetable oil or biofuels laboratory.

Preferred Qualification:

• 6 Sigma Certification or other quality certifications
• M. Sc. Degree in chemistry, food science, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field is required.
• Experience with Laboratory Management standards (i.e., ISO17025)

Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload.
• Strong analytical skills and mathematical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to interpret data to make decisions.

• Knowledge of the regulatory requirements the facility operates under (e.g., HACCP, OSHA, EPA,)
• Proactive

Required Knowledge of Equipment and software.

• Standard office equipment.

• Microsoft Office 365 applications (i.e., Excel, MS Word, SharePoint, Teams).

Working Conditions

• Personal protective equipment worn as required.
• Laboratories and offices are in a climate-controlled environment.
• Occasional exposure to dust, odors, vibrations, and loud noise
• Able to walk multiple floors of stairs daily.
• Working at heights for sampling protocols.
• May require occasional travel within Canada/US up to 25%.

Employee Supervision

• This position supervises approximately 6 or more laboratory personnel.  Has the authority to recommend hiring, firing, & discipline of employees as well as supervise, manage, & direct work.
• Approve time and monitor attendance within the tracking system.
• Approve PTO in Workday and coordinate shift coverage.
• Maintain good order and discipline according to LDC code of conduct and all LDC policies.

Decision Making and Accountability

• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.
• Ability to carry out all testing in the event of increased testing needs or staff shortage.
• Ensures efficient operation of a laboratory to meet facility needs.
• Works independently on responsibilities and will consult with the Quality & Food Safety Manager on any problems and or unusual test results.

Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities

• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to. 
• Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  
• Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and safe manner. 
• Ensures unsafe working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable. 
• Must adhere to all safety standards and procedures.

Quality & Product Safety Responsibilities

• Maintains good working knowledge of Quality and Product Safety policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to. Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work. Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and product safe manner. Ensure unsafe product working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable.

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us