Lead Quality Laboratory Analyst

Location: Upper Sandusky

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Work Schedule

This role is anticipated to work a primarily day shift schedule, with atypical shifts, nights, weekends and holidays as is required by scheduling needs. Vacation coverage for crew analysts is a priority expectation for this position, requiring flexibility in scheduling with appropriate advance notice.

Purpose and Objective of Position

This position ensures quality of products manufactured and distributed by a fully integrated soybean processing facility. This role is expected to support and cover the crew analysts in performing accurate and timely lab analysis on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and other samples as required. This role requires strong technical expertise to develop and improve analytical testing procedures, troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment issues, and assist in resolving process-related problems.

This position plays a supporting role in training lab and operations staff and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in the lab.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations:

• Demonstrate proficiency and willingness to perform all laboratory tasks required for Quality Laboratory Analyst - Crew Position
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the chemistry involved in all tests performed, including but not limited to chemical reaction, chemical compatibility, and working understanding of lab equipment
• Perform routine laboratory tests of production and environmental samples to ensure the quality of final product
• Oversee daily lab operation samples when crew analysts are unavailable
• Oversee lab tasks related to routine swabbing, cleaning verification, and environmental monitoring program for operational areas
• Collect samples from operational areas as required
• Collect and ship samples as needed (e.g., referee sample, customer requests, 3rd party testing, etc.).
• Conduct regular soybean and meal testing using wet chemistry methods (e.g., protein, moisture, fat, fiber).
• Able to do maintenance of analyzers and conduct troubleshooting for lab equipment, software issues, etc. following written guidelines and SOPs or as needed.
• Assist in development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for processes driven by the Laboratory Supervisor and for which laboratory staff are responsible.
• Assist in training laboratory staff and operations staff on laboratory analyses and procedures.
• Organize and oversee disposition of samples according to sample retention guidelines.
• Maintain and complete calibrations/verification on schedule for all laboratory equipment.
• Maintain and complete external testing on schedule for all samples.
• Coordinate and prepare shipments of samples to ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA or other governmental or company regulations and requirements.
• Generate and verify Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and other reports as required (e.g., final tanks, transloads, 3rd party, commingles, data sheets, etc.).
• Conduct regular checks of laboratory methods and equipment to ensure that standard operating procedures are followed, and standards are met.
• Perform internal monthly/quarterly testing as required.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of current and new analytical methods to increase efficiency and efficacy of laboratory operations.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory supplies inventory to ensure efficient laboratory operations (e.g., chemical and consumable inventory checks, receiving materials/chemicals, organization of supplies).
• Assist in preparing chemicals/solutions as needed by the lab to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Accepts/carries out/completes other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Quality Manger.

Process Control & Improvement:

• Enters laboratory test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generates reports as required
• Analyze production and certification samples and communicate results promptly to operations and management personnel
• Report out of spec or out of trend results to management
• Collect samples as required to maintain the environmental monitoring program
• Perform ATP testing as required in operational areas to ensure cleanliness
• Participates in cross-check testing with internal and external laboratories
• Works in a safe manner and follows all safety standards and procedures
• Ensure work area is kept clean and free from safety and environmental hazards

Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs:

• Assist as needed in the investigation of any product quality issues
• Comply with Good Manufacturing…