Quality Manager

Ash Grove, part of the CRH family of companies, is one of North America’s leading cement manufacturers with a legacy dating back to 1882. The company operates 12 world-class cement plants and 41 terminals across the United States and Canada, combining technical expertise, robust safety standards, and empowered talent to deliver high performance.

About the role

The Quality Manager supervises and administers all plant laboratory activities, including quality control and the proportioning of materials used in the cement manufacturing process. This position ensures the efficient operation of the plant laboratory facility and requires availability on a 24-hour basis to assist with lab and processing problems.

Responsibilities

• Promote and follow all plant safety guidelines.
• Ensure efficient plant quality control procedures.
• Monitor quality control and collaborate with plant management regarding current quality control status and actions needed for improving product quality.
• Establish, communicate, and assign job responsibilities to plant laboratory employees.
• Provide indirect supervision over plant personnel affecting product quality or control of production processes.
• Supervise and evaluate the job performance of laboratory personnel.
• Establish cement quality control parameters for the technical director and sales department to remain competitive in the marketplace.
• Review and interpret cement and other raw material research data stored in the lab computer.
• Calculate and review daily production activities and results.
• Supervise and ensure test procedures are conducted according to established standards and guidelines.
• Maintain awareness of changes in the production process and evaluate their impact on product quality; recommend processing changes.
• Generate instructions for setting and adjusting equipment to produce raw meals and cement of uniform quality.
• Establish laboratory quality control parameters for slurry, clinker, and cement.
• Confer regularly with other department managers regarding quality control issues such as raw material harvesting, production scheduling, and mill grinding.
• Assume responsibility for the overall safety of the plant lab and conduct safety meetings for lab personnel.
• Monitor daily inventory of cement, process additives, chemicals, and other raw materials.
• Order lab equipment, meet with vendors, and ensure proper repairs, maintenance, and calibration of existing lab equipment.
• Attend plant meetings and training sessions to interact and consult with other department managers regarding plant operations.
• Investigate alternate raw material sources, fuels, and suppliers of grinding aid.
• Attend professional education workshops and seminars to stay updated on cement research and chemistry.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in ASTM and AASHTO specifications through publications, memos, and professional organizations.
• Serve as Radiation Safety Officer.
• Participate in air quality inspections and associated air permit responsibilities.
• Maintain AASHTO accreditation, including quarterly, biannual, and yearly file audits and internal audit processes of testing methods.

Requirements

• Minimum 4-year bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience as an Assistant Chief Chemist or similar position in a cement manufacturing or related industry.
• Preferred 3 years of supervisory experience in a lab or related industry.
• Proficient problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build, lead, and work with teams or contractors.
• Proficient in English written, verbal communication, and listening skills.
• Extensive knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and geology.
• Knowledge of the cement manufacturing process, ASTM standards, AASHTO standards, and quality control procedures in production operations.
• Ability to use a computer to store data and generate reports.
• Ability to follow specific instructions and guidelines.
• Ability to refer to the manager for clarification or interpretation of organizational policy.
• Ability to exercise direct supervision over all laboratory personnel at the plant.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability Pay
• Life Insurance
• Growth Opportunities