Lab Operations Leader — Quality, Safety & Innovation

OxyChem; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

OxyChem is seeking a laboratory supervisor to manage and strengthen the La Porte VCM Plant lab functions. The role emphasizes safety, quality control, and direct supervision of lab staff, with duties spanning method validation, equipment evaluation, and regulatory compliance.

The position requires 5 years of industrial lab experience, a chemistry-related degree, and strong proficiency with LIMS and Microsoft Office tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or related field; or two-year associate degree via a tech program.
• 5 years of industrial lab experience.
• Thorough understanding of Quality Control Laboratory operations.
• Understanding of lab analytical methods, instrumentation, and calculations.
• Wet lab knowledge: moisture, pH, Specific Gravity, Total Solids, etc.
• Strong experience using a LIMS.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to lead and work in a team.
• Able to work weekends/holidays and respond to callouts.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety in lab operations and promote safety programs.
• Supervise, schedule, staff, train, and develop personnel; budget and procurement.
• Perform lab duties to support Day Lab Analysts as needed.
• Direct routine operations of the La Porte VCM Plant laboratory.
• Participate in customer audits and surveys.
• Approve and issue test methods for routine use.
• Develop operator test methods and provide training and supplies.
• Provide analytical support to operations and process engineering.
• Investigate customer complaints and maintain QA for the lab.
• Evaluate new equipment and methods to improve lab performance and efficiency.
• Maintain SAP data management responsibilities.
• Recommend changes in product specifications as appropriate.
• Direct the creation of Certificates of Analysis for product shipments.
• Ensure sampling, analysis and QC meet EPA, TCEQ and other regulatory requirements.

Skills

LIMS experience

Team leadership

Communication skills

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Safety mindset

Education

BS in Chemistry or related field

Two-year associate degree in lab tech or related program

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

OxyChem is seeking a laboratory supervisor to manage and strengthen the La Porte VCM Plant lab functions. The role emphasizes safety, quality control, and direct supervision of lab staff, with duties spanning method validation, equipment evaluation, and regulatory compliance.

The position requires 5 years of industrial lab experience, a chemistry-related degree, and strong proficiency with LIMS and Microsoft Office tools.