Laboratory Supervisor - La Porte VCM

Occidental Chemical Corporation; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental Chemical Corporation seeks a senior laboratory supervisor to ensure safety and quality in its La Porte and Deer Park labs. You will oversee staff, QA processes, and analytical methods while coordinating with operations and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes lab safety, method development, data management, and compliance with EPA/TCEQ regulations. Strong leadership, LIMS experience, and MS Office proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry or related field or an associated degree is acceptable.
• 5 years of industrial lab experience required.
• Thorough understanding of QC lab operations.
• Knowledge of lab analytics, instrumentation, and calculations.
• Wet Lab basics: moisture, pH, specific gravity, solids, etc.
• Strong experience using a LIMS.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety in lab operations and participate in safety programs.
• Handle administrative duties for lab functions including staffing and budget.
• Support Day Lab Analysts and supervise routine lab operations.
• Direct operation of La Porte VCM Plant lab and Deer Park VCM Plant lab.
• Assist in customer audits and surveys.
• Approve and issue test methods for routine work.
• Coordinate development of operator test methods and training.
• Provide analytical support to operations and process engineering.
• Investigate customer complaints and maintain QA program.
• Evaluate new equipment and methods to improve lab performance.
• Maintain SAP data management and core responsibilities.
• Recommend changes in product specifications as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

English language proficiency

Analytical thinking

Education

BS in Chemistry or related field

2-year associate degree option

Tools

LIMS

Sample Manager

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".