Lab Supervisor

Lesaffre North America; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Vacation time

Holidays

Life insurance

Short‑Term Disability

Job summary

Lesaffre North America is seeking a Lab Supervisor for the Red Star Yeast team in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will lead laboratory technicians, ensure accurate test results, and uphold safety and QA standards across daily operations.

You will oversee sample flow, equipment maintenance, and proficiency testing while coordinating with Production and Maintenance. This role requires a BS in microbiology/chemistry or food science and 2–5 years supervisory experience in a lab setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Chemistry or Food Science required, 5 years of lab technician or analyst experience, 2 to 5 years' experience in a similar supervisor position.
• Experience training and/or building teams
• This position requires chemistry/microbiology lab experience and baking related skills
• The ability to use MS Windows, particularly MS Office programs
• The ability to prioritize and organize tasks
• Decision to repeat tests may be made independently or directed by manager
• Must be able to follow written procedures, be organized, precise, observant, efficient, capable of working with minimal supervision
• Must be able to perform several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accurate timing and procedures for each task
• Must be detail oriented and safety minded

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety‑first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
• As a leader, has impact on others by setting an example for others to follow
• Leads and supports the Company’s Safety Values and Policies
• Primary function of this position is to supervise laboratory technicians
• May receive direction from cross functional leaders including Production and Maintenance Superintendents, Technical Manager, Plant Manager
• Interfaces with supervisors and operators, maintenance workers and general service operators in collaborative fashion
• Ensure samples are received and checked into laboratory to maintain sample flow
• Train and explain needed maintenance on all lab equipment
• Request supplies located outside the lab
• Ensure on time and accurate testing for internal and external customers
• Train laboratory technicians to perform accurate lab analysis
• Generate and maintain staff schedule to ensure optimum laboratory coverage
• Ensure lab techs manage their time efficiently to maximize productivity and accountability
• Supervise the maintenance and calibration of lab equipment
• Review and maintain files related to QC testing
• Review and verify lab results, report out of specification and start investigations
• Manage the Technician proficiency test program
• Monitor results throughout the day, check calculations, watch for abnormal results, request repeat tests, and audit technician’s procedures
• Responsible and accountable for the safety of all assigned personnel
• Spends a minimum of 75% of time on the shopfloor
• Perform necessary functions of a lab technician in peak times or for absences
• Ensure all lab techs perform required analysis
• Review results and present to the Lab Leadership each lab tech’s proficiency and capability to provide accurate lab results
• Track all repeat analysis in the lab and present this data to the lab each month
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

People leadership

Lab oversight

Safety compliance

QA/QC

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Tools

MS Windows

MS Office

Job description

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3‑billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio‑actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well‑being and improve plant nutrition.

This role is within our Red Star Yeast team. Red Star delivers a range of high‑performing yeast and related products that empower bakers and food manufacturers to create consistent, flavorful, and high‑quality baked goods. Backed by Lesaffre and Archer Daniels Midland and supported by modern manufacturing facilities in Cedar Rivers, IA and Dothan, AL, our team blends global expertise with local reliability to bring trusted, innovative yeast solutions to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

What we offer:

• Day one healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
• 401k with 4% match & additional discretionary employer contribution
• 11 paid holidays
• 120 hours of vacation time and 48 hours of sick time annually
• Life insurance, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, and more!

What you bring to the table:

The Lab Supervisor leads and coordinates the laboratory technician team under their direction in ensuring timely and accurate results reporting in the systems. Ensures proficiency testing is maintained and documented, safety and procedural trainings are up to date, and ensures lab adherence to defined programs (control plans, testing/inoculation schedule, lab equipment maintenance is maintained and troubleshoot issues), as well as aims to continuously improve the programs.

What you’ll do as a Lab Supervisor:

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety‑first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
• As a leader, has impact on others by setting an example for others to follow
• Leads and supports the Company’s Safety Values and Policies
• Primary function of this position is to supervise laboratory technicians
• May receive direction from cross functional leaders including Production and Maintenance Superintendents, Technical Manager, Plant Manager
• Interfaces with supervisors and operators, maintenance workers and general service operators in collaborative fashion
• Ensure samples are received and checked into laboratory to maintain sample flow
• Train and explain needed maintenance on all lab equipment
• Request supplies located outside the lab
• Ensure on time and accurate testing for internal and external customers
• Train laboratory technicians to perform accurate lab analysis
• Generate and maintain staff schedule to ensure optimum laboratory coverage
• Ensure lab techs manage their time efficiently to maximize productivity and accountability
• Supervise the maintenance and calibration of lab equipment
• Review and maintain files related to QC testing
• Review and verify lab results, report out of specification and start investigations
• Manage the Technician proficiency test program
• Monitor results throughout the day, check calculations, watch for abnormal results, request repeat tests, and audit technician’s procedures
• Responsible and accountable for the safety of all assigned personnel
• Spends a minimum of 75% of time on the shopfloor
• Perform necessary functions of a lab technician in peak times or for absences
• Ensure all lab techs perform required analysis
• Review results and present to the Lab Leadership each lab tech’s proficiency and capability to provide accurate lab results
• Track all repeat analysis in the lab and present this data to the lab each month
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Chemistry or Food Science required, 5 years of lab technician or analyst experience, 2 to 5 years' experience in a similar supervisor position
• Experience training and/or building teams
• This position requires chemistry/microbiology lab experience and baking related skills
• The ability to use MS Windows, particularly MS Office programs
• The ability to prioritize and organize tasks
• Decision to repeat tests may be made independently or directed by manager
• Must be able to follow written procedures, be organized, precise, observant, efficient, capable of working with minimal supervision
• Must be able to perform several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accurate timing and procedures for each task
• Must be detail oriented and safety minded

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.