Lab Manager

Inhance Technologies; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Inhance Technologies in Tulsa, OK is seeking an Analytical Lab Manager to ensure accuracy, safety, efficiency, and reliability of all laboratory testing, quality control procedures, and equipment while complying with applicable industry, environmental, and occupational health regulations.

You will lead the lab team, oversee analytical testing and quality control activities, support manufacturing and R&D initiatives, and drive continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in laboratory operations, preferably fluorine chemistry or chemical manufacturing.
• Hands‑on proficiency with GC and FTIR; data interpretation and routine maintenance.
• Knowledge of ISO, EPA, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and accurate testing across the lab.
• Lead analytical testing, QC activities, and instrument maintenance (GC, FTIR).
• Develop and refine analytical methods for raw materials, in‑process, and finished products.
• Oversee testing with GC, FTIR, ICP‑MS, HPLC, and related techniques.
• Interpret data, ensure timely reporting, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Mentor technicians and chemists; lead monthly team meetings and training.
• Drive continuous improvement and lead lab data management and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Team management

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

ICP‑MS

HPLC

Titration

Job description

The Analytical Lab Manager will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, safety, efficiency, and reliability of all laboratory testing, quality control procedures, and laboratory equipment while maintaining compliance with applicable industry, environmental, and occupational health regulations.

The Analytical Lab Manager will provide technical and operational leadership to the laboratory team, oversee analytical testing and quality control activities, support manufacturing and R&D initiatives, and drive continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Essential Job Functions

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce strict safety protocols for the handling, storage, and disposal of fluorine-based chemicals and other hazardous materials.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations, including OSHA and EPA requirements.
• Train and coach laboratory personnel on chemical safety, proper handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.
• Maintain accurate safety, training, testing, and compliance records to support audits and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure all required departmental safety training is completed and maintained in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and identify opportunities to reduce laboratory hazards and improve safe work practices.
• Ensure laboratory personnel follow company policies, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Laboratory Operations & Quality Control

• Supervise daily laboratory activities to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable chemical analyses and quality control testing.
• Demonstrate proficiency in analytical testing with hands‑on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining analytical instrumentation, particularly Gas Chromatography (GC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Develop, implement, refine, and maintain laboratory procedures and analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Perform and oversee analytical testing using GC, FTIR, ICP‑MS, HPLC, titration, spectroscopy, and other applicable analytical techniques.
• Interpret analytical data and ensure results are accurate, reliable, and reported in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, testing methods, and abnormal results and coordinate corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure laboratory procedures comply with applicable industry standards, including ISO, ASTM, EPA, OSHA, and company requirements.
• Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, qualification, and performance to ensure precision, accuracy, and reliability.
• Establish and monitor quality control practices and investigate out-of-specification or abnormal results.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, analytical records, test results, and quality records in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, instruments, and methods remain fit for purpose and capable of producing consistent, defensible results.
• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop a team of laboratory technicians and chemists.
• Facilitate monthly team meetings to communicate priorities, review performance, address challenges, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain training programs to strengthen team expertise in analytical techniques, laboratory practices, safety, and quality requirements.
• Ensure the laboratory cross‑training matrix is reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.
• Ensure laboratory personnel are adequately trained and qualified to perform assigned analytical methods and operate laboratory equipment.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching, development, and feedback.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Promote knowledge sharing and cross‑training to strengthen laboratory capabilities and operational flexibility.

Process Improvement & Research

• Collaborate with Production, R&D, Engineering, and other cross‑functional teams to optimize chemical formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and implement new analytical methods, testing technologies, and laboratory practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and turnaround time.
• Participate in new product development, process validation, root‑cause investigations, and troubleshooting of manufacturing‑related issues.
• Support investigations involving product quality, process deviations, analytical results, and customer or production concerns.
• Identify opportunities to reduce laboratory costs, improve turnaround times, increase efficiency, and enhance analytical capabilities.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies where appropriate.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to improve laboratory data collection, traceability, reporting, and management.
• Establish and improve systems for managing analytical data, laboratory records, equipment information, and test results.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for automation, digitization, and improved laboratory workflow.

Educational & Skills Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of laboratory experience, preferably within fluorine chemistry, specialty chemicals, or chemical manufacturing.
• Proficiency in analytical testing with hands‑on experience using Gas Chromatography (GC) and FTIR, including instrument operation, method execution, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and routine maintenance.
• Strong knowledge and experience with additional analytical techniques such as ICP‑MS, HPLC, Titration, Spectroscopy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain analytical methods and laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety and regulatory compliance, including OSHA, EPA, ISO, and applicable industry standards.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to investigate complex laboratory and process issues.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, R&D, Engineering, Quality, and other cross‑functional teams.