QC Lab Supervisor

About the role

The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor provides leadership and technical oversight for the Kalama QC Laboratory, which supports raw material, in-process, finished product, wastewater, and select HSE testing. This role is critical to ensuring timely release of finished goods, supporting operational first-time-right goals, and driving continuous improvement. Seven QC Chemists report to this position.

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with about 12,000 employees in 32 countries. The core business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. LANXESS has achieved leading positions in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and the MSCI ESG and ISS ESG ratings for its commitment to sustainability.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Chemistry or Data Science preferred).
• 5–10 years of relevant QC or laboratory experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Hands-on experience handling chemicals and following laboratory-scale procedures.

Skills

• Experience with instrumental analysis (GC, FTIR, spectrometry) preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems, FSSC 22000 food safety management systems, food and pharmaceutical cGMPs.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• SAP experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Pay

Competitive compensation packages inclusive of a global bonus program. In accordance with Washington state requirements, the established pay range for this position is Min $88,400 to Max $147,400.

Benefits

• Health care – Medical, Dental, Vision
• Health Spending Account (HSA) with High Deductible PPO XD
• Employee Life Insurance – Basic, Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Dependent Life Insurance and AD&D
• Disability Coverage – Short-Term and Long-Term
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Health Care and Dependent Care
• NortonLifeLock device security, online privacy, and identity theft protection
• Aflac Benefits
• Legal Assistance Program
• Retirement Benefits – Defined Contribution 401(k) Plan with Employer Retirement Contribution and Employer Match

Schedule

Laboratory operates 24/7, 365 days per year. Flexible working arrangements offered through global Xwork program. Washington employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement accrue a minimum of 80 hours of vacation per year, receive 10 paid holidays, and accrue 64 hours of Sick/Personal time per year. Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement earn time off per the agreement provisions.