Lab Manager - Ethanol

Responsibilities: Lead the lab quality program by establishing and maintaining effective testing practices aligned with accepted laboratory standards and industry expectations Oversee laboratory inventory, replenish testing materials and process chemicals as needed, and negotiate purchasing terms when appropriate to improve cost efficiency Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate analytical laboratory instrumentation used for routine product and process testing Collect production samples, evaluate quality results, identify operational concerns, and recommend process improvements using laboratory data Direct laboratory personnel through hiring support, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and ongoing employee development Maintain laboratory procedures, ensure current operating instructions remain accurate, and verify employees are trained on updated processes Monitor production quality trends, maintain required testing records, and lead projects that improve operating efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs Manage laboratory safety, compliance, and regulatory reporting activities while ensuring applicable governmental requirements are consistently satisfied Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a comparable scientific or technical discipline Three to five years of laboratory quality experience within a dry-mill ethanol facility or a closely related processing environment Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and maintaining effective laboratory quality systems Thorough understanding of fermentation and distillation processes associated with ethanol manufacturing Background supporting environmental testing programs and required regulatory reporting activities Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, standard office equipment, and possession of a valid driver's license Strong communication, analytical thinking, mathematical aptitude, negotiation, conflict resolution, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities Proven leadership ability with a customer-focused approach, high ethical standards, and success building productive relationships across internal and external stakeholders