Laboratory Manager

Position Overview

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of multiple Quality Control laboratories. They ensure Quality Control activities are performed in a manner to meet the safety, quality, integrity, and efficiency standards set by the organization by collaborating with Quality Control staff, Production, and other key stakeholders.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the laboratory management system across all Quality Control labs, which includes SOPs, analytical test methods, calibration requirements, inspections, checklists, nonconformance management, record keeping practices, reports, and other relevant processes and practices to ensure laboratory activities meet company standards.
• Assess, identify, pursue, and track optimization opportunities by collaborating with production teams, laboratory staff, engineers, Quality Assurance, Formulation Development, and other stakeholders to achieve efficiencies in the formulation and testing processes used across the site.
• Establish, implement, and track key performance indicators focusing on safety, quality, and productivity to aid laboratories in meeting business objectives. Report laboratory performance monthly using visual management techniques to identify performance levels and target improvement opportunities. Coach laboratory staff to drive continuous improvement and to meet company expectations.
• Design experiments, perform analyses, and direct the work of others using lab equipment to troubleshoot, develop analytical methodology, and increase efficiencies.
• Maintain and continuously improve the laboratory’s training and development program to ensure all lab staff, including new and existing employees, are adequately training to safety and accurately perform lab activities and are focused on continuously developing their skills and expanding their knowledge.

The Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related industrial or scientific field.
• Six Sigma certificate preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a Quality Control and/or Quality Assurance setting, in a manufacturing facility.
• Excellent knowledge of quality standards and external requirements (i.e., EPA, ISO)

• Proven experience assessing laboratory staff technical skills and establishing a development plan for continuous improvement
• Proven experience using laboratory data to improve formulation process optimization.

• Experience with audits, inspections, and CAPA processes.

• Proficiency with quality management systems (QMS) and data analysis tools.

• Experience developing analytical test methods.
• Experience utilizing, maintaining, and troubleshooting HPLC, GC, LC/MS, pH, particle size, and other types of analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, audit, and implement quality procedures.
• Strong leadership, team management, communication, documentation, organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and SharePoint.
• Proficiency with quality management systems (QMS) and data analysis tools.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to support a continuous operation, as required to meet business needs.         
• Ability to work in a chemical manufacturing plant with industrial equipment, chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Requires occasional use of PPE.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, and work in field conditions.

Preferred Experience

• 3 years’ experience in a leadership/manager/supervisor role
• Experience with Good Laboratory Practices.
• Six Sigma and/or ISO 9001 experience
• Experience with SAP QM.

The Perks

Benefit package discussed at interviews.