Primary Purpose of the Role

The Lab Manager will oversee and coordinate the operations of multiple labs in Wisconsin. This role includes direct leadership of an innovation lab where the focus is on product development, material testing and sustainable innovation leveraging data-driven insights to improve product quality, reduce operational costs, and ensure that business objectives are met.

They will lead a team of technicians, ensuring efficient and accurate testing of materials, products, and processes. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and implement best practices to enhance production efficiency and meet quality standards. Additionally, the Lab Manager will ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Essential Job Duties

• Directly lead day-to-day activities at the innovation lab, serving as a hands-on technical leader

• Partner with Product Management, R& D, and Sustainability teams to align on priorities and Consumer/End User requirements

• Manage testing of new materials, coatings, printability, heat resistance, and all other attributes critical to quality for the products

• Create and establish new test methods as needed to support product claims and product value propositions

• Oversee the overall operations of our Innovation Lab, working closely with corporate resources to ensure alignment with Plant and Product Development priorities.

• Supervise and support lab technicians at multiple locations

• Establish and standardize protocols for lab safety, quality assurance, testing procedures, and documentation across all labs while collaborating with Quality Managers at each of the locations

• Audit/examine all lab procedures to ensure testing procedures/processes are conducted correctly.

• Coordinate site resourcing, staffing, and training in collaboration with Plant Managers and Director of Innovation

• Ensure all labs comply with relevant industry, safety, and environmental regulations, working closely with EHS, Corporate Compliance and Sustainability Director, and Plant Managers

• Adherence to all Plant and Company-wide Good Manufacturing Practices as well as SQF requirements.

• Manage lab project list and prioritize based on alignment with business goals

• Lead, mentor, and develop lab technicians across all locations

• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, collaboration, and accountability

• Prepare technical reports, review data, and present findings to leadership and cross-functional teams in collaboration with Product Managers

• Analyze trial data, supporting product development initiatives and communicating test results to the appropriate audience

• Oversee procurement, maintenance, and calibration of lab equipment across all locations

• Manage the R& D Lab budget effectively and on target, including supplies, capital equipment, and staffing

• Evaluate and negotiate with lab service providers and 3rd party testing facilities

Required Skills and Abilities

• Good Verbal and Written Communication skills to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Advanced comprehension of technical documentation - Test methods, Patent Literature, etc.

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Smartsheet, Minitab.

• Scanning Electron Microscope knowledge preferred.
• Preferred Bachelor's in Science or other technical field
• 5+ years of experience working in laboratory setting

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At Hoffmaster, we believe every person deserves to feel successful. That's why we provide a total rewards package designed to support our employee's success -at work, at home, and in life. This includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurances, Tuition and Student Loan repayment assistance, Physical and Mental wellness programs, Paid vacation and holidays, Employee Assistance Program, and more. Learn more about our Benefits at HoffmasterBenefits.com !

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.