Lead Lab Analyst

Work Location Manteca, CA 

Position Purpose

Under minimal supervision and acting on own initiative, the Lead Lab Analyst works closely with the Laboratory and Sampling Teams to ensure effective workflow, proper training, and accurate documentation. This role is responsible for ensuring standard operating procedures are followed and executed consistently. The Lead Lab Analyst performs a variety of analytical tests in support of the laboratory’s operations and must be proficient in the calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all analytical instrumentation used in wine analysis.

Functional Responsibility

• Provides hands-on support, assigns daily tasks, ensures employees have proper tools and equipment, and monitors output
• Leads in a constructive manner by example; demonstrates and encourages a strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Guides team in the proper use of assets and resources to avoid waste and ensure cost-effective operations
• Ensures clear communication amongst the team; follows-up on assignments to ensure accuracy and completeness    
• Informs supervisor of staffing needs
• Ensures employees conduct themselves in a safe manner and that work areas are kept clean to prevent safety hazards; immediately reports safety issues and concerns to management
• Supports change initiatives and company decisions in an effective manner
• Communicates closely with supervisor regarding employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner
• Maintains company and regulatory compliance during day-day-operations and advises supervisor of any infractions; assigns and monitors employee breaks and lunches and provides backup relief
• Provides timely feedback to employees on a daily basis and informs supervisor of team/individual performance, recognition, training needs, deficiencies, etc. 

Essential Duties

• Communicates analytical accuracy concerns to management, highlighting trends or deviations that may impact data integrity and overall wine quality
• Supports continuous improvement by monitoring process capability (e.g., Cpk values) and contributing to Six Sigma initiatives aimed at reducing variability
• Assists Analytical Chemist with troubleshooting of instrumentation
• Monitors laboratory supply inventory using a Kanban system
• Supports the review and revision of SOPs, procedures, and processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with current practices and regulatory standards
• Supports and coordinates training for new technicians, facilitates refresher sessions, and contributes to the ongoing development and updates of the training program
• Leads and supports the Harvest Intern Training Program
• Collaborates with the Sampling department to coordinate the planning and timing of requests and monthly inventory samples, ensuring alignment with laboratory schedules and priorities
• Performs all duties of a Lab Analyst
• Ensures the laboratory team in completing daily analytical testing by effectively delegating tasks, managing workflow, and ensuring timely, accurate results in a fast-paced environment
• Evaluates and audits smoke taint and haloanisole analyses in collaboration with the Analytical Chemist, utilizing TraceFinder and Xcalibur to ensure data accuracy and method compliance
• Executes lab-based improvement projects at the direction of management, utilizing the DMAIC framework to enhance analytical methods, streamline workflows, and support continuous quality improvement within the Analytical Lab
• Oversees the Bottling Adjustment and Approval process to ensure all wines meet quality specifications and are ready for bottling
• Maintains a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment by applying 5S methodology
• Ensures the Lab is complaint with ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standard 
• Leads by example and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Maintains a strong customer service relationship with our internal customers
• Participates in blend evaluations, tasting panels, and sensory projects

*Other duties may be assigned

Non-Essential Duties

*Other duties may be assigned
 

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Enology, Food Science, Biology, or other related science field
• 5+ years of Analytical Laboratory experience with strong instrumentation background
• Wine laboratory experience preferred

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of good laboratory skills including sample and reagent preparation, sample handling, and good