Integrated Proteins, LLC.

The Regional Lab Manager is responsible for oversight of laboratory operations and management of laboratory associates. Integrated Proteins has 5 laboratory sites in St. Joseph, MO (2), Bolckow, MO (1), Kansas City, KS (1), and Purdy, MO (1). Direct reports will include approximately 11 Quality Technicians and 2 Quality Lead Technicians. Facility lab oversight and staffing may change with growth of the organization. The position reports to the Director Quality and can be based in St. Joseph, MO or Kansas City, KS.

Job Duties:

• Fulfill the job duties of Quality Technician including daily testing of the lab samples.
• Review orders for supply inventory submitted by Quality Leads and Plant Quality Managers on a monthly basis. 
• Collaborate with sales and marketing on requests for samples by potential clients.  Ensure Quality Technicians fulfill requests.  When required, ensure third party contract lab testing is ordered and completed.
• Provide lab coverage for three facilities when Quality Lead Technicians are unable to cover for Quality Technician scheduled and unscheduled absences.
• Participate in cross functional teams and meetings when requested by management. Provide project status, participate in laboratory root cause investigations, and communicate information on lab operations.
• Communicate with production on out of specification testing results and product containing physical hazards.  Utilize metrics to identify trends and participate in teams to investigate root causes.
• Assist with training of new laboratory staff.
• Work with equipment vendors on technical troubleshooting and repair of equipment to minimize impacts to operations.
• Assist with specification development of finished products.  Collaborate with customer facing departments to establish specifications to meet client expectations.
• Assist with customer complaints as needed.
• Recommend standardization in processes across all lab sites.
• Implementation of new testing methods and technologies including site preparation, review of Standard Operating Procedures, and training of team members.
• Design validation studies and matrix extension studies for new raw materials and finished product blends.

• Monitor laboratory control sample (LCS) charting and evaluate data for trends.  Assign CAPAs as needed.

• Respond to production staff and management questions and concerns when requested.
• Oversight of Proficiency Testing Program for lab technicians.
• Write SOPs, work instructions, and other documents as needed for the labs.
• Manage staff to include performance reviews, identifying individual growth opportunities,  and assigning special projects to prepare staff for upcoming promotion opportunities.  Mentor associates during training and completion of projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education & Skills Requirements 

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline plus 6 years of experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory setting.  Masters degree in a scientific discipline with 3 years of experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory setting.  A Doctorate degree in analytical chemistry.

• Proficient with Office 365 (primarily Excel, SharePoint, Outlook, and Word) 

• Reliable, Organized, Efficient, Attention to detail 

• Clear verbal communicator 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment 

• Ability to manage multiple projects independently 

• Able to work independently and as part of a team 
• Experience with proximate and analytical chemistry testing of food matrices.  Experience with AA, ICP-OES, GC-MS, HPLC, NIR.

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to sit, stand, kneel, walk, reach, squat, push, pull, and climb stairs for extended periods of time 

• Must be able to work from elevated surfaces and/or in confined spaces for extended periods of time 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs 

Benefits 

• 401(k) and matching

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• Other supplemental insurances 

• PTO and Holiday Pay