Quality Assurance Lab Manager

Job Description

Quality Assurance Lab Manager

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio (on-site)

Reports to: Operations Manager

Salary: $85,000 – $95,000 + bonus eligibility

AluChem is a Cincinnati manufacturer of specialty alumina products. We’re looking for a hands-on Quality Assurance Lab Manager to lead our laboratory and quality-control activities. This is a key leadership role for someone who enjoys combining technical lab work, people leadership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

As Quality Assurance Lab Manager, you’ll lead our QA laboratory team and oversee product testing and quality documentation. You’ll also support investigations and customer quality concerns, and partner with Production, Maintenance, Shipping, and Customer Service to make sure our products consistently meet company and customer requirements.

What We Offer

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• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with FSA and HSA options
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• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
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• 401(k) with 4% match
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• Paid holidays and vacation
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• Bonus eligibility
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• A small, collaborative leadership team
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What You’ll Do

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• Lead, train, coach, schedule, and evaluate QA laboratory employees.
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• Oversee sampling, testing, and inspection of incoming, in-process, and finished materials, and make sure reporting and recordkeeping are accurate and on time.
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• Oversee chemical analyses, along with the safe use, maintenance, calibration, and verification of lab and analytical equipment.
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• Review and approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and other quality documentation.
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• Develop and improve lab procedures, work instructions, specifications, and training materials.
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• Monitor quality data and trends to spot issues, risks, and improvement opportunities.
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• Lead quality investigations with Production, Engineering, and management. This includes root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and disposition of nonconforming material.
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• Serve as the quality and technical contact for internal teams, customers, and suppliers on testing, specifications, and complaints.
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• Manage lab supplies, equipment, outside testing, training needs, and the department budget.
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• Keep the lab clean, organized, and safe, and drive continuous improvement in quality, reliability, and efficiency.
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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
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• 3+ years of experience in a laboratory, QA/QC, or manufacturing environment.
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• Management, Supervisory, Training, or similar leadership experience.
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• Hands-on experience with sampling, chemical analysis, analytical equipment, calibration, and quality documentation.
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• Ability to interpret technical specifications, test results, and quality data.
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• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
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• Ability to lead others and work effectively across departments.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• 5+ years of progressive quality, laboratory, or manufacturing experience.
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• Background in inorganic chemistry, alumina, minerals, ceramics, refractories, or industrial manufacturing.
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• Experience with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
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• Experience with COAs, quality databases, and customer specifications.
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Relocation Assistance and Visa Sponsorships are not available.

AluChem is an equal opportunity employer.