Lab Manager bei Green Plains Inc.

Summary: 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 safely

• Responsible 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 directed

• Responsible 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 samples

• Manage the inventories of all laboratory chemicals, sampling supplies, and testing supplies

• Maintain lab and production records, as directed, of all identified processing parameters and final product specifications

• Monitor 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 issues

• Maintain and update plant-managed laboratory work instructions, forms and manuals

Food Safety / Quality Assurance 

• Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of all food safety and quality assurance programs as directed by the Director of Quality Management

• Conduct 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 compliance

• Lead the plant’s HACCP and Food Safety Team meetings and maintains records of all meetings

• Lead the plant’s Recall Team meetings and conducts 2 mock recalls annually

• Lead 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 required

• Provide food safety training to all new plant employees and to the plant team annually or more frequently, as needed

• Responsible for preparing and leading the plant through all regulatory, third party and customer audits

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a four-year college or University in a related scientific or technical field required
• Certifications 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 date
• Four years of experience in Fermentation and Laboratory Management in a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred 
• Experience with implementing and maintaining effective feed safety and quality programs
• In-depth knowledge of fermentation as they relate to the ethanol production process
• To 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 equipment
• Valid driver’s license required

Work 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 job
• Regular exposure to high noise environments
• Regular exposure to outside weather in all conditions
• May be exposed to dusty conditions
• May be exposed to chemicals used in the process  

Green 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. For more information, visit www.gpreinc.com.