Lab Supervisor I

SNF is a specialty chemical group whose products, water-soluble polymers, contribute to treating, recycling, preserving water, saving energy, and reducing carbon footprint. A pioneer in soft chemistry, SNF has long been present on all continents, employing 8,150 people, including more than 2,300 in the USA. Innovation and movement toward a cleaner, less carbon-intensive world accelerates SNF’s growth.

The Emulsion Lab Supervisor will manage projects involving production with minimal supervision and will follow R&D procedures/profiles while adhering to ISO standards. Will provide production support to resolve issues and concerns noted during polymerization, filtration, or packaging. Will troubleshoot problem batches in the Emulsion Plant and assist Emulsion Plant personnel as needed. Will perform emulsion lab polymerizations to support qualification of raw materials, in-process polymerizations, toll manufacturing, product development, technology transfers, and customer complaint investigations. Will maintain a safe and healthy work environment and maintain all intellectual property within SNF ERP systems. The Emulsion Lab Supervisor reports directly to the Technical Manager and works closely with members of Emulsion Management and Laboratory teams. Will train Lab and Production personnel in polymerization, ensuring all parameters are properly followed, and must have the capability to lead and work in a team environment with varied departments and diverse personalities.

LOCATION: Plaquemine, LA

• Provide technical assistance for Laboratory, Production, Management, Quality Assurance, and customers.
• Develop a close working relationship with peers throughout SNF.
• Develop and maintain supportive, collegial relationships with Production, Technical Sales, Technical Service, Supply Chain, QC, QA, and R&D personnel by providing needed assistance and information when requested.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction with SNF’s products and services.
• Develop and maintain a high level of general knowledge of the products and services offered by SNF.
• Test product performance and troubleshoot scale-up issues.
• Characterize polymer properties according to standard or customer-specific testing procedures.
• Prepare and generate formulations from concept to finish, including procedures required for laboratory and production polymerization.
• Monitor and supervise the implementation of toll-manufactured product introductions and pilot trials into full-scale production.
• Maintain all laboratory work in lab notebooks and CETLAB (including formulations, calculations, performance results, test requests, and communication) for all projects. Write internal project reports and prepare/present project presentations.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the Company’s products, customers, and proprietary information.
• As required, assist in the preparation and operation of technical events for existing and potential customers.
• Ensure that the Company adheres to the appropriate rules and regulations required by government entities and customers.
• Work to innovate and expand SNF’s technical capabilities.
• Conduct interviews with potential new hires for the Process Lab.
• Work with other departments to ensure accurate and timely analysis is reported.
• Complete weekly ADP time entry for Process Technicians.
• Conduct investigations on customer complaint samples.
• Work with HR and the SNF Management Team to uphold all SNF policies.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree - or Master's Degree in Chemistry or equivalent required, with a concentration in Polymer Chemistry.

EXPERIENCE:
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• 3–7 years of combined successful and progressive applications and product quality experience required in polyacrylamide chemistry.
• 3–7 years of polymer synthesis experience and experience with manufacturing processes.
• Ability to develop and further customer service and enhance the efforts of the sales force in achieving company objectives.
• Working experience in Polymer Lab and Production Synthesis, Organic or Analytical Chemistry.
• Working experience with Statistical Controls and Methods.
• Working experience developing and launching new products.
• High-level technical aptitude to understand chemical manufacturing processes and market applications.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience dealing with senior-level management.
• Team player able to work well with individuals and teams representing all areas of the organization.
• Must have the capability to prioritize and plan work activities effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines, and be able to work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Computer proficiency in all MS Office software applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, and MS PowerPoint.
• Confident, bright, articulate, innovative, detail-oriented, problem solver, highly motivated self-starter with high energy, a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and the highest level of integrity.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Vacation Days
• Incidental Days
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Development & Training

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.