Laboratory Manager

About the Role:

A division of Kalmbach Feeds, Veritas Agrilabs is a brand-new state of the art full-service laboratory, offering a variety of testing services for the livestock feed industry. Analytical capabilities include elemental analysis, fat and fiber characterization, NIR spectroscopy, mycotoxin testing, and more. The continued growth of Veritas is needed to support our internal manufacturing and agricultural scientists, as well as key commercial customers within the livestock industry. To facilitate this growth, we are looking for passionate, hard-working team members that live our values and help us serve customers, improve our processes, and build our teams. The Laboratory Manager at Veritas Agrilabs will be responsible for spearheading a rigorous analytical testing scheme in response to customer and internal needs. An effective manager will ensure efficiency and accuracy throughout all laboratory processes, while effectively collaborating with team members across operations at Kalmbach Feeds. This position will drive performance optimization; setting, monitoring, and achieving KPI’s to ensure the lab operates efficiently and cost-effectively.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build, lead, manage and develop your team with a focus on efficiency, collaboration, and innovation
• Direct oversite of the profit and loss responsibilities of Veritas Agrilabs
• Oversee AAFCO proficiency testing program and drive ISO accreditation/certification efforts
• Effectively collaborate with our agricultural scientists, purchasing agents and manufacturing personnel to support customer needs, manufacturing excellence and internal research efforts
• Oversee and perform elemental analysis via ICP-OES & Dumas combustion, ether and acid extraction for fat characterization, fiber analysis, lateral flow mycotoxin testing, NIR analyses and more. All in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner
• Review laboratory results and documentation for completeness and accuracy, and investigate out of spec results.
• Train and mentor team members on methodology, instrumentation, LIMS, and all other lab processes
• Lead account management as the lab expands to a commercial entity

The Right Candidate:

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and grow a dynamic laboratory team
• 5 plus years of relevant lab experience, preferably in the livestock feed & ingredient, soil health, water quality or fertilizer sectors
• Experience with ICP-OES elemental analysis, Dumas elemental analysis, acid & ether extractable fat analysis, crude fiber analysis and NIR spectroscopy strongly preferred
• Able to demonstrate understanding of LIMS and how to leverage computing to improve laboratory efficiency
• B.S. degree in Animal Science, Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or a related field required
• Experience in the agricultural and animal feed industry is highly desirable
• Demonstrated high energy level and the drive required to proactively lead activities within a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Strong technical aptitude, attention to details and excellent interpersonal skills

About the Company:

Kalmbach Feeds offers the highest quality nutritional products for livestock, poultry, and companion animals. The company was founded in 1963 by Milton and Ruth Kalmbach with a vision to develop the finest products, providing customers with the best possible nutritional value. The Kalmbach family’s traditional core values have served as the compass for consistent success for over five decades, and the company has become the regional leader within the animal nutrition industry. Kalmbach Feeds enjoys an excellent reputation for quality and integrity within the animal nutrition industry and is comprised of smart self-starters who are driven to serve customers. Our experienced, talented team utilizes cutting-edge technology and proprietary processes to deliver safe, innovative products. Our stringent ingredient testing, computer automated systems, patented technologies, dedicated manufacturing facilities, and in-house nutrition specialists guarantee it. Additional information regarding our exciting company can be found at https://youtu.be/UONTNdszwY4 and www.kalmbachfeeds.com/.

Kalmbach Feeds Offers:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits with eligibility on date of hire
• 401(K) (traditional and Roth options) with generous company match
• 3 Weeks Paid Time Off in first year
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Competitive Compensation
• On Staff Life Coach
• Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Plans
• Access to Beach Front Company Condo in Fort Myers, FL

Kalmbach Feeds is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Each applicant for employment is considered solely based on job qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. The information contained within your resume and application, including employment history, educational history, and references, are subject to verification. Pre-employment drug screen (hair and urine), physical, and criminal background check required.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted.