QC Lab Supervisor — Lead 24/7 Quality & Process Improvement

LANXESS Deutschland GmbH; Kalama (WA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Global bonus program

Health benefits

Work flexibility

Training & development

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

LANXESS Deutschland GmbH is seeking a Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor to lead the Kalama QC Laboratory, overseeing testing across raw materials, in-process, finished goods, wastewater, and select HSE tests. The role drives first-time-right releases and continuous improvement while aligning with 24/7 staffing needs.

The ideal candidate has a STEM degree and 5–10 years of QC or lab leadership, with hands-on chemical handling and instrumental analysis experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM is required.
• 5–10 years of QC or laboratory experience with supervisory responsibility.
• Hands-on experience handling chemicals and following lab procedures.
• Experience with instrumental analysis (GC, FTIR, spectrometry) preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, and cGMPs is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and MS Office; SAP experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily QC laboratory operations ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Review and approve analytical data, trends, calibrations, and equipment qualifications.
• Troubleshoot analytical issues and provide technical guidance; back-up testing as needed.
• Develop and implement laboratory methods and procedures; support new method/equipment implementation.
• Partner with Operations and R&D on process improvement and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with quality, food safety, pharmaceutical, and regulatory requirements.
• Train and develop QC staff to ensure competency and timely data reporting.
• Schedule and manage staffing to provide 24/7 coverage, 365 days a year.
• Support budgeting, inventory management, purchasing, and invoice approvals.
• Participate in audits and conduct internal lab safety/ housekeeping audits.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Independent decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

GC

FTIR

Spectrometry

SAP

Job description

LANXESS Deutschland GmbH is seeking a Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor to lead the Kalama QC Laboratory, overseeing testing across raw materials, in-process, finished goods, wastewater, and select HSE tests. The role drives first-time-right releases and continuous improvement while aligning with 24/7 staffing needs.

The ideal candidate has a STEM degree and 5–10 years of QC or lab leadership, with hands-on chemical handling and instrumental analysis experience.