Lab Supervisor

With a strategy centered on people and sustainability, Braskem is engaged in contributing to the value chain to strengthen the Circular Economy. Braskem’s 9,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people's lives through sustainable solutions in chemicals and plastics. With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse industries, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, health and hygiene, and more. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in over 70 countries.

Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and a New Renewable Innovation Center in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.

Department: Quality & Product Regulatory

Location: La Porte

Travel Involved: 10%

Job Type: Full-Time

Description:

As the Quality Lab Supervisor, provide analytical quality support for three (3) manufacturing lines (C Line, D line, and UTEC) at Braskem largest volume manufacturing site. Lead and enable the site leadership team and team members to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements per ISO 9001 and RC 14001. Supervise the lab technician team to execute analytical tests and ensure analytical tools, equipment, and methods are calibrated and functioning in accordance with ASTM standards. Champion the transition from traditional analytical to digital tool utilization for quality testing. Manage ten (10) direct reports and drive their progression / development to achieve high performing levels. Validate management systems and processes are adhered to through execution of management system reviews. Represent the quality support function in Strategic Product Meetings to drive reduction in unwanted quality losses. Partner with capital function and manage U.S. lab equipment 5-year capital plan. Coordinate annual ASTM benchmark testing for U.S. labs and provide Braskem analytical lab results summaries to drive improvements.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Participate in and/or facilitate meetings (Site Leadership, Safety, Quality, etc.) and support initiatives for the site and the laboratory
• Manages high quality results and processes in the lab.
• Ensures lab results, processes, and documents meet standardization requirements and are in accordance with ISO 9001, RC14001, and ASTM.
• Creates new products in LIMS (LabSoft) and update product specs (PODS) to support product development trials or commercial product changes
• Works with Commercial I&T and Sales Functions to manage final product lot disposition for Non-Conformances and Product Waivers
• Manages lab equipment reliability with robust SAP PM program for calibrations, certifications, and repairs
• Champions Management of Change (MOC) process for implementation of new equipment or improved analytical methods.
• Manages and leads the development of lab-related procedures, policies, improvements, non-conformance RCAs, complaint investigations, and audit finding actions.
• Fulfills the role of Site Management System Representative to lead and facilitate annual Management System Review (MSR) for all site functions such as HES, Quality, Maintenance, and Process Operations.
• Facilitates monthly site leadership meetings to discuss IMPACT action item closure progress and timeline to complete.
• Manages the Braskem quality 5-year capital plan and site-specific lab capital projects based on equipment criticality matrix and business needs.
• Manages annual lab budget and % overtime to sustain business needs and work life balance for the team.
• Manages development of lab team members through PAs, job role progression, training, and certifications.
• Ensures Lab Training includes new digital Automation Technology used in Laboratory and management system of training is effective. Demonstrate proficiency in new digital technology.
• Facilitates monthly HES SMP Meeting to review Leader Assessment findings and Team Improvement Plans.
• Provides and presents quality data at Strategic Product Meetings to drive reduction in unwanted quality losses.
• Summarizes annual round robin ASTM testing results for Braskem and provides with improvement opportunities as compared to industry.
• Ensure Lab Training includes new digital Automation Technology used in Laboratory and management system of training is effective. Demonstrate proficiency in new digital technology.
• Supervise the Laboratory Staff (Shift Technicians and Day Technicians) to support plant operation.
• Manage Quality Assurance, Procedures/Work Instructions, Product Introduction, Product Disposition, and LabSoft (Laboratory Information System).
• Ensure laboratory compliance with ISO 9001:2008 and RCMS and fulfill role of Management System representative in Customer and Registration audits.
• Ensure the Lab equipment is maintained, calibrated and documented per ISO 9001:2008 requirements
• Provide routine quality performance reports to operations as scheduled
• Coordinate ASTM Proficiency testing and other round robin testing.
• Use statistical analysis to improve the repeatability and reproducibility of analytical results.
  
  
  

Requirements:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, or equivalent.
• Supervisor experience (direct reports) in a chemical manufacturing plant with 3-5 years of polymer lab experience.
• Technically strong with ability to work collaboratively with other departments and support functions.
• Good knowledge of laboratory practices, use of ASTM standards, basic statistical process control, and ISO Management System.
• Knowledge in the analysis of polymers (polypropylene) preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership abilities.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented with excellent follow-up skills, goal oriented, resourceful, have a positive attitude and take initiative.
• Must be able to think critically, troubleshoot and problem-solve. Computer skills are required (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP, LIMS).
  
  
  

What We Offer

At Braskem we offer more than just a competitive base pay package. Out total rewards package includes a wide range of benefits that you need for every stage of your life. Out benefits include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Teladoc
• A wide range of voluntary benefits like Pet Insurance, Legal and ID Theft Insurance
• Flexible work schedules like 9/80 schedules for eligible team members
  
  
  

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States without the need for any type of sponsorship now or in the future. Braskem is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process please contact the Talent Acquisition team.