Analytical & PAD Lab Manager

LyondellBasell; Bornem; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

LyondellBasell’s Bornem site is seeking an Analytical and PAD Lab Manager to lead the Analytical and PAD laboratories, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality execution aligned with business priorities.

You will be responsible for people leadership, resource allocation, technical capability, lab performance and continuous improvement, collaborating with Tech, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Stewardship, and Commercial teams to deliver impactful solutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required.
• PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering is an advantage.
• 8–10 years of relevant experience in analytical laboratories, polymer or application development, or technical manufacturing support, including several years of people-leadership experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of analytical techniques, polymers, additives and their applications, as well as extrusion and application-testing methods.
• Continuous-improvement experience; Lean or Six Sigma certification is an advantage.
• Experience with laboratory digitalization, automation or LIMS is an advantage.
• Experience with SAP and Sopheon.
• Fluency in English and a good command of Dutch.

Responsibilities

• Managing laboratory requests arising from development projects, customer needs and production issues, from initial evaluation through execution, reporting and closure.
• Prioritizing the laboratory portfolio and allocating people, equipment and pilot-line capacity based on business value, urgency and technical complexity to ensure timely delivery of agreed priorities.
• Collaborating closely with Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Stewardship, Technical Service and Commercial teams to translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable safety, quality and Operational Excellence requirements across all laboratory and pilot-line activities.
• Establishing, validating and regularly reviewing laboratory methods and techniques to maintain up-to-date technical standards and capabilities.
• Driving continuous improvement, digitalization and automation initiatives to ensure efficient laboratory workflows, optimal equipment utilization, shorter turnaround times and high standards of data quality and productivity.
• Developing and presenting CAPEX and OPEX proposals for laboratory equipment, infrastructure, maintenance and continuous improvement projects.
• Building team capability through coaching, cross-training, knowledge sharing and succession planning.
• Providing analytical and application-development expertise to support MBS innovation, customer, and manufacturing and business projects.

Education

Master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering

PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering

Tools

SAP

Sopheon

Job description

LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come. LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.

Come Join an Inclusive Team

• Schulman Plastics BV, part of the LyondellBasell group, is an international supplier of high-value polymer compounds and masterbatches used as raw materials to functionalize polymer film and sheet applications, mainly for the food industry. Our Bornem site employs approximately 200 people.

A Day in the Life

As Analytical and PAD Lab Manager, you lead the Analytical and PAD laboratories, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality execution in line with business priorities. You are accountable for people leadership, resource allocation, technical capability, laboratory performance and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Managing laboratory requests arising from development projects, customer needs and production issues, from initial evaluation through execution, reporting and closure.
• Prioritizing the laboratory portfolio and allocating people, equipment and pilot-line capacity based on business value, urgency and technical complexity to ensure timely delivery of agreed priorities.
• Collaborating closely with Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Stewardship, Technical Service and Commercial teams to translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable safety, quality and Operational Excellence requirements across all laboratory and pilot-line activities.
• Establishing, validating and regularly reviewing laboratory methods and techniques to maintain up-to-date technical standards and capabilities.
• Driving continuous improvement, digitalization and automation initiatives to ensure efficient laboratory workflows, optimal equipment utilization, shorter turnaround times and high standards of data quality and productivity.
• Developing and presenting CAPEX and OPEX proposals for laboratory equipment, infrastructure, maintenance and continuous improvement projects.
• Building team capability through coaching, cross-training, knowledge sharing and succession planning.
• Providing analytical and application-development expertise to support MBS innovation, customer, and manufacturing and business projects.

You Bring This Value

• A master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required;
• a PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering is an advantage.
• At least 8–10 years of relevant experience in analytical laboratories, polymer or application development, or technical manufacturing support, including several years of people-leadership experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of analytical techniques, polymers, additives and their applications, as well as extrusion and application-testing methods.
• Continuous-improvement experience;
• Lean or Six Sigma certification is an advantage.
• Experience with laboratory digitalization, automation or LIMS is an advantage.
• Experience with business-specific software, such as SAP and Sopheon.
• Fluency in English and a good command of Dutch.

Competencies

To be successful in this role you must recognize yourself in the following profile:

You have strong stakeholder management and communication skills, enabling you to effectively translate business needs into clear technical priorities. Combined with strong organizational skills and a results-driven mindset, you are able to drive change and deliver impactful outcomes. Your critical and analytical approach allows you to assess complex situations, identify opportunities for improvement, and make well-founded decisions.

Candidates will also be assessed on the following LYB competencies:

• Build Partnerships
• Deliver Results
• Drive Innovation
• Grow Capabilities
• Promote Inclusion

What We Offer

• An indefinite-term contract in an international environment.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• A dynamic organization.
• Interesting learning and career opportunities.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation and reference to benefits for this role is listed on this posting in compliance with applicable law. Please note that the compensation and benefits listed below are only applicable for Belgium (BE) payroll offers.

The anticipated salary range for this full-time position is €89,760.00 - €123,420.00. The starting compensation will be determined based on skills, experience and qualifications.