Technical Services - Laboratory Supervisor

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