Job Title: Lab Supervisor
Job Summary
The Lab Supervisor is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of a high-throughput laboratory performing quality testing on barley and malt. This role focuses on day-to-day execution, staff coordination within a unionized environment, and ensuring testing targets are met while adhering to established procedures, collective agreements, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct and coordinate daily laboratory activities to ensure timely testing of barley and malt samples.
- Supervise laboratory staff and ensure fair and consistent application of workplace policies, job postings, scheduling, overtime allocation, and seniority rules.
- Assign work, set priorities, and adjust workflows to meet production and turnaround requirements.
- Monitor staffing levels and coordinate shift coverage in accordance with the collective agreement.
- Act as the first point of contact for operational issues and escalate as needed.
- Ensure all testing is conducted according to approved standard operating procedures and industry methods (e.g., American Society of Brewing Chemists standards)
- Verify accuracy and completeness of test results before release.
- Maintain sample integrity and chain-of-custody practices.
- Oversee routine calibration, maintenance, and cleanliness of laboratory equipment
- Ensure adequate inventory of consumables and supplies to support operations.
- Troubleshoot testing or equipment issues to minimize downtime.
- Foster a respectful, collaborative environment.
- Track key operational metrics (turnaround time, backlog, productivity) and provide regular updates to management on lab performance and issues.
- Communicate clearly with production, malting, and quality teams regarding sample status and results.
- Identify and implement practical improvements to workflow, efficiency, and turnaround time.
- Support standardization of procedures and reduction of variability in testing.
- Participate in audits with a focus on operational readiness.
- Enforce health and safety policies, safe work procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- 3–5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably in grain handling, malting, brewing, or agricultural quality testing
- Previous experience conducting wet chemistry tests, such as protein and moisture analyses
- Previous experience supervising in a laboratory environment is strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of barley and malt quality testing methods is strongly preferred
- Experience operating and troubleshooting common lab instrumentation
- Familiarity with LIMS or production tracking systems is an asset
- Proven ability to manage schedules, resolve conflicts, and maintain fairness and consistency
- Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on keeping operations running smoothly
- Clear communication and strong organizational skills
Working Conditions
- Laboratory supporting agricultural operations and production cycles
- Exposure to laboratory chemicals
- Shift work and overtime may be required, especially during harvest and peak malting periods
