Laboratory Supervisor - La Porte VCM

Occidental Petroleum Corporation; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental Petroleum Corporation's OxyChem division seeks a seasoned Laboratory Supervisor to lead a quality-focused lab team. You will oversee safety, scheduling, staffing, and QA for multiple plant sites, ensuring compliance with EPA and regulatory standards.

Strong expertise in analytical chemistry, LIMS, and SAP is required. Responsibilities include directing routine lab operations, developing test methods, and supporting process engineering with data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry or related field, or an equivalent two-year associate program.
• 5 years of industrial lab experience with QC responsibilities.
• Thorough understanding of QC lab operations and analytical methods.
• Proficient with LIMS and SAP; strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily laboratory operations at the La Porte and Deer Park sites.
• Lead safety programs, scheduling, staffing, and personnel development.
• Maintain QA program and ensure EPA and regulatory compliance.
• Approve test methods, develop operator methods, and manage data in SAP.
• Provide analytical support to operations and engineering teams.

Skills

Lab supervision

Quality Control

Team leadership

English communication

Regulatory compliance

Analytical chemistry

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

B.S. in Chemistry

Laboratory technician training (community college/technical school)

Tools

LIMS

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. If you are ready to contribute, elevate your skills, and take ownership of your career, OxyChem offers the opportunity to make a difference every day. OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. OxyChem’s products play an essential role in everyday life, supporting critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction. OxyChem actively participates in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program, underscoring our commitment to safety. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, OxyChem is a top three U.S. manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride, chlor-alkali and chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. Visit oxychem.com for more information. In a fast-paced industry that demands precision, we create a supportive workplace where the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain safety in the lab operations including conducting monthly safety meetings and by participating and promoting participation in safety programs such as Job Observations and Near Miss Reports.
• Execute administrative responsibilities for all lab functions including supervision, scheduling, staffing, training, and development of personnel, budget formulation, cost controls, equipment & supplies procurement, and maintenance for facilities & equipment.
• Perform laboratory responsibilities to support the Day Lab Analysts as-needed.
• Direct the routine operation of the La Porte VCM Plant laboratory.
• Participate in customer audits and surveys.
• Approve and issue test methods to be used in routine work.
• Coordinate development of operator test methods and provide supplies and training for the operator test methods at the La Porte VCM Plant and the Deer Park VCM Plant.
• Provide analytical support to operations, process engineering, and other plant functional groups at the La Porte VCM Plant and the Deer Park VCM Plant.
• Investigate customer complaints.
• Maintain a Quality Assurance program for the lab.
• Evaluate new equipment and methods to improve lab performance and efficiency.
• Maintain an efficient laboratory data management system including core user responsibilities for SAP.
• Recommend changes in product specifications as appropriate.
• Direct the creation of Certificate of Analysis for product shipments.
• Ensure all sampling, analysis and quality control requirements are met to satisfy EPA, TCEQ, and other regulatory as well as certifying agencies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or related field (biology, physics, computer science, zoology); or successfully completed a laboratory technician training program at a community college or technical school (equal to a two-year associate degree).
• 5 years of industrial lab experience.
• Thorough understanding of Quality Control Laboratory operations.
• Understanding of laboratory analytical methods, instrumentation, and functions with the ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Wet Lab Chemistry Knowledge: Basics – moisture, pH, Specific Gravity, Total Solids and other lab equipment and procedures.
• Strong experience using a LIMS.
• High proficiency in Microsoft applications (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write and speak in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to lead a team and also work as part of a team.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays and respond to callouts on a non-routine basis.
• Physical requirements – Must be able to lift 40 lbs., climb ladders and stairs. Walking, bending, stooping is required. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment including the use of a respirator. Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms.
• Valid Driver’s License with the ability to drive between manufacturing sites.
• Must have a TWIC card prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
• More than 5 years of industrial lab experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with Sample Manager client, application, database and proprietary Sample Manager programming language, “VGL”.