The Factory Chemist (FC) is responsible for the qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and research for quality and process control at Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. The FC helps SMBSC reach its mission by (1) monitoring, inspecting, and managing laboratory activities to meet and exceed customer and government expectations, (2) working with customers and auditors to ensure a quality final product, and (3) coaching and developing employees to create a skilled workforce for current and future needs.
Essential Functions:
Laboratory and Audit Activities
§ Reviews documentation of all activities to ensure compliance to the process; writes, implements, and reviews Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), programs, and specifications; implements protocol
§ Records and is responsible for the accuracy of the production output; analyzes data and constructs daily operation reports, which includes inventories on items such as: thick juice tanks, molasses, and extraction; investigates and produces responses for data abnormalities
§ Coordinates, prioritizes, and plans lab tasks to meet deadlines
§ Models production scenarios to forecast expected production and reach maximum optimization; suggests improvements for test procedures to achieve project objectives
§ Monitors, inspects and maintains laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order
§ Develops, improves, or customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods
§ Ensures final product and coproducts (pellets, molasses, separator molasses solubles, and raffinate) meet quality and customer specifications through data review and quality control audits; required to produce the certificate of analysis (COA) for all products
§ Works with factory leadership to investigate customer issues and complaints; produce corrective action procedures to reduce and/or eliminate future risk
§ Serves as back up to conduct new hire orientation and assist auditors as needed
§ Ensures products and by-products are properly labeled and documented via Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to meet Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
§ Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies; share relevant information to affected employees and customers
Pellet Load Out Responsibilities
§ Monitors shipping quality and corrects SOP deviations through training
§ Trains pellet production and loading employees on general manufacturing practices and work SOPs
§ Handles pellet customer complaints; investigates concerns; reports back to customers; and trains personnel on better habits to prevent future issues
Employee Management
§ Trains and supervises factory and seasonal lab personnel; assigns projects to be completed
§ Coaches, develops, monitors, and evaluates employees; assists with goal setting; and sets employment expectations through personal and employee accountability
Leadership
§ Facilitates a work environment that supports a safe and healthy culture
§ Contributes to the formulation of annual operating and capital budget for the factory, warehouse, and seasonal labs
§ Leads on Food Safety Committee
§ Provides subject matter expertise on laboratory operations
Core Competencies and Skill Requirements:
§ Broad understanding of chemical and mathematical calculations as well as production and processing
o Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo
o Knowledge of algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their applications
o Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
§ Demonstrated critical thinking skills
o Ability to gather information by observing, receiving and obtaining information from relevant sources
o Ability to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems
o Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
o Ability to read, understand and interpret information and ideas presented through written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
§ Strong conflict management and resolution skills
o Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes and resolve grievances and conflicts; negotiate with internal and external audiences
§ Excellent written and oral communication skills
o Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with internal and external audiences and maintain these relationships over time to advance the overall public image of SMBSC
o Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences with diverse backgrounds
§ High level of integrity
o Ability to be honest and ethical in reporting
o Ability to maintain a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations
§ Commitment to safety
o Ability to work in a responsible, safe manner by adhering to SMBSC’s safety and housekeeping protocol
Required Education and Experience:
§ Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
§ Three to five years of experience working in an industrial laboratory setting preferred
§ Two years of experience managing employees a plus
§ Must be able to obtain PCQI and SQF certifications
Other:
§ Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change any time with or without notice.