Color Lab Manager

Tnemec Company Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tnemec Company Inc. is seeking a Color Department Manager to lead North Kansas City color operations, including file development, sample production, and color matching systems.

You will drive continuous improvement, develop the team, and align color operations with business objectives across multiple manufacturing sites. You will provide technical leadership, oversee department priorities, and collaborate with R&D, Product Development, and Quality teams to meet customer needs and maintain

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of color matching, color file development, and coatings technology.
• Experience with color instrumentation and color management software.
• Proven leadership experience developing talent and driving departmental performance.
• Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Color Department personnel through training, performance management, and career development initiatives.
• Oversee color file development for new products, processes, and equipment implementations.
• Establish color acceptance criteria and collaborate with R&D, product development, and product support teams.
• Support manufacturing operations by addressing color-related challenges in Production and Quality Control.
• Ensure all color activities are documented, traceable, and audit-ready for compliance.
• Identify opportunities for technology improvements, automation, and workflow optimization.

Skills

Color matching

Color file development

Coatings technology

Pigments & colorants

Color measurement systems

Color instrumentation

Color management software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

7–10 years in coatings/color technology

Tools

Color software systems

Job description

The Color Department Manager is responsible for leading all North Kansas City-based color operations, including color file development, color sample production, color matching systems, and color-related production support. This role ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality color performance across products and manufacturing sites while developing team capabilities, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and aligning color operations with business objectives.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, oversee departmental priorities, and collaborate across multiple functions to support product development, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Color Department personnel through training, performance management, and career development initiatives.
• Build and maintain technical expertise within the team in color matching, file development, instrumentation, and color management systems.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and ownership.

Color Operations Management

• Oversee all color file development for new products, processes, and equipment implementations.
• Ensure the production of accurate, high-quality color samples that meet internal and customer specifications.
• Prioritize departmental workload to support business objectives, project timelines, and customer commitments.
• Maintain efficient workflows for color matching, file creation, and sample preparation activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Product Development, and Product Support teams to establish color acceptance criteria and evaluate color feasibility.
• Work closely with Production and Quality Control teams to support manufacturing operations and resolve color-related challenges.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Marketing teams to meet customer sample and product support needs.
• Engage with suppliers and external partners regarding pigments, colorants, and emerging color technologies.

Production Support & Problem Resolution

• Lead investigations and resolution efforts for color-related production issues and customer concerns.
• Provide technical guidance on off-specification color batches, including recommendations for correction, rework, or disposition.
• Support troubleshooting efforts across multiple manufacturing locations, systems, and color management platforms.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, testing methods, and documentation requirements.
• Review and improve color processes to enhance accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Oversee the effective use of color instrumentation, software platforms, and formulation systems.
• Maintain accurate, traceable records for formulations, samples, and color files.
• Identify and implement opportunities for technology improvements, automation, and workflow optimization.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all color-related activities are documented, traceable, and audit-ready.
• Monitor departmental performance and provide reporting as needed to support business objectives.

Internal & External Partnerships

• R&D / Product Development
• Product Support, Quality Control, and Testing Laboratory Teams
• Production Teams (North Kansas City, Baltimore, and other manufacturing locations)
• Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service
• Purchasing and Suppliers
• ReworkTeams

Required Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of color matching, color file development, and coatings technology.
• Strong understanding of pigments, colorants, manufacturing processes, and color measurement systems.
• Experience working with color instrumentation and color management software.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive departmental performance.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in coatings, color technology, or a related field.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with color software systems and related analytical tools.
• Ability to meet applicable color aptitude requirements.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Regular computer-based work.
• Operation of laboratory and batch equipment.
• Occasional interaction with manufacturing environments.

Safety & Compliance

All employees are required to follow company safety policies and procedures and participate in required hazardous materials, safety, and environmental training programs.