Quality Control Manager - Industrial/Microbiology - Locus Fermentation Solutions

Overview: Locus Fermentation Solutions is a leading industrial fermentation company with a unique and patented process to produce bio surfactants through fermentation, and a producer of microbes for crop growth.  The company currently serves several key industrial, personal care and agriculture end-use markets and has an exciting growth pipeline with a huge addressable market. The company is privately owned, and the investor group is seeking to enhance the management team as it continues to mature its processes, organization, and capabilities for long-term sustainable growth.  One of the key new hires is for the role of Manager of Quality Control with responsibility for all Quality Control and Analytical Chemistry activities.

Job Description:  Responsible for ensuring product quality including establishing, implementing, and documenting quality standards, processes and analytical methods, final product approval and release, analytical support for developing new products and processes, trouble-shooting quality issues, managing the team and maintaining analytical capabilities to meet business requirements.

Key responsibilities are as follows:·      

• Manage and grow a team of 6 quality control and analytical chemistry professionals based in Solon, Ohio along with responsibility for QC and product release activities at downstream blending and formulation locations.
• Manage all microbial and chemical quality control testing for raw, in-process and finished product.
• Identify critical control points and establish measurement specifications that demonstrate quality standards for raw, in-process and finished product.
• Establish routine and non-routine analyses methods for raw, in-process and finished product samples.
• Measure the validity and reliability of quality testing procedures and make recommendations for changes.
• Generate electronic records database to store and review historical quality test data.
• Draft and maintain standard operating procedures, manuals, data capture forms, certificates of analysis and documentation for approved quality processes.
• Recognize and communicate any product trends observed from quality and/or production data.
• Perform or schedule required maintenance and calibration of quality testing and Production equipment.
• Train personnel on approved quality processes.
• Assist with and suggest changes to manufacturing processes to improve quality of product
• Manage customer complaint database and support QC team regarding trouble shooting product quality issues
• Review Production batch records for compliance with established quality processes prior to release of finished product.
• Communicate quality status to all relevant stakeholders.
• Represent Quality function as needed on company initiatives and issues as they arise 

Qualifications & Requirements:

• • Minimum B.S. in microbiology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related field required.  
  • 3+ years' experience managing a quality control team or function
  • Previous work experience implementing or enhancing quality standards and processes, ideally for a bio based fermentation or microbial manufacturer.
  • Good understanding of analytical chemistry methods, uses and equipment including GC and HPLC.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 and GMP processes, certification requirements and audits.

General Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; both verbal and written.
• Ability to frame complex problems and define and implement solutions.
• Ability to use NetSuite, MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams efficiently.

Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a temperature-controlled warehouse or office environment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move through the warehouse or laboratory 30% of the time and remain in a stationary position 70% of the time.  The employee will occasionally lift and or carry up to 25 lbs.  Employee will occasionally use computer, phone, copier and other office equipment in the course of a day and regularly utilize laboratory equipment for sample testing.   

Work Environment:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  This may include warm, hot or cold temperatures.  The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Locus Division: Fermentation Solutions

Employment Type: Full-time 

Schedule: In Office

Why Join Us?

• Innovation: We are at the forefront of innovation, creating biochemicals that are safer for you, your family, and our planet. Be a part of our vision and global impact!  
• Essential: Ensure and maintain the highest quality standards throughout our manufacturing process and product release, building trust and excellence with our customers.
• Growth: As we grow, so do you! With the opportunity to spearhead critical quality standards and ensure our products meet the highest benchmarks of excellence, our products will lead to more growth for you and Locus.
• Join Locus and enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a work environment that embraces your unique talents. Benefits includes, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) savings plan with a matching contribution. The annual continuing education stipend and fun, monthly activities do not hurt either!