Quality Manager

POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 26 production facilities in the United States. The company produces and markets more than 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually.

Position Overview:

The Quality Manager is a crucial part of the entire operation of the plant. This position is responsible for ALL data coming from the laboratory. The Quality Manager is responsible for monitoring plant operations via laboratory data and ensuring maximum production quantity and quality, while following the procedures relating to production and safety of the plant.

Quality Manager regular hours are M-F 8-5; additional hours or call-in requirements are required based on plant needs.

Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of the Quality Control Laboratory.
• Oversee accountabilities for all lab personnel and overall responsibility for all lab work, testing, and reported results.
• Train lab personnel on the use of lab equipment and interpretation of results.
• Establish testing protocols and ensure that test results are repeatable and accurate.
• Train operators in proper field sampling and testing techniques and interpretation of the results.
• Approve laboratory personnel hiring.
• Ensure that all city, county, state, and federal regulations as they apply to the laboratory and laboratory responsibilities are being met at all times.
• Strive for maximum efficiency in plant operations, optimize plant up-time or runtime and minimize all plant downtime through support of laboratory operations and sample analysis. 
• Manage Quality Control on all final products.
• Ensure all QC Standard Operating Procedures (both laboratory and product SOPs) are up to date and followed.
• Communicate any issues with product quality with the appropriate personnel on the local management team, POET Ethanol Products or POET Nutrition, and the operations and quality control teams at POET Plant Management.
• Work closely with the Technical Manager and Operations Manager and team as well as with POET Plant Management personnel to maximize the efficiency of the fermentation process.
• Process data management.
• Carryout all plant directives from the Technical Manager.
• Carryout all QC directives from the QC Department at POET Plant Management.
• Ensure that all QC policies are implemented and followed.
• Work with the Operations Department on special testing that is requested.
• Complete in a timely fashion research requests made by management.
• Maintain and enforce all laboratory safety programs and procedures.
• Facilitate communication between departments.
• Responsible for budget preparation and cost control for the Laboratory Department.
• Present capital request justifications to the Technical Manager.
• Communicate production and laboratory performance results to both the General and Technical Manager.
• Report to Technical Manager.
• Ability to manage others.
• Regular attendance.
• Maintain a team environment with other plant departments.
• Champion POET Biorefining Bingham Lake in the community.
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position along with effective oral and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills:

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or related science is required.
• Minimum of 3 years lab experience is required. Prior management, quality control, HPLC, NIR, and ethanol production experience is a plus, but not required.
• A successful Quality Manager has experience in lab operations with a strong background in lab quality control and standard lab practices, and product quality control; in addition to being enthusiastic, organized, and able to multi-task, technically and scientifically versed, and has strong leadership and management skills.
• Team Member must be able to work as a team with other administrators to achieve maximum plant performance, efficiency, and profitability.
• Proficiency with basic computer software and office equipment (i.e. Word, Outlook, and Excel) is required.

This position operates in multiple work environments, including a plant environment, a laboratory environment, as well as an office environment. In the lab, the Team Member will work with a range of analytical instrumentation, multiple chemical reagents, and perform various wet chemistry tests. In the office, the Team Member will work on a personal computer. In the plant environment, Team Member will be required to adhere to all Safety requirements and may be exposed to noise, heat, and other elements both inside and outside. This position is largely self-directed and requires understanding of company policy, procedures, and values.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this position, the Quality Manager will be exposed to moving, mechanical parts, dusty conditions, high noise levels, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and exposed to chemicals.

Specific Physical requirements include:

• Occasionally lifting weights of 50 pounds or less
• Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
• Opening valves.
• Occasionally bending, twisting, and turning while lifting weights of less than 50 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of weights greater than 50 pounds.
• Data entry while seated for greater than 1 hour.
• Walking up to 1 mile per day.
• Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
• Working at heights, in confined spaces, and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
• Standing for extended periods of time.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should please send their resume via e-mail, visit our POET Biorefining -- Bingham Lake location to fill out an application or apply online.