Laboratory Manager

Bulk Chemicals, Inc./BCI Surface Technologies; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company paid full medical, life, and disability insurance coverage

Paid time off, including paid holidays

Job summary

A leading chemicals supplier is seeking a Laboratory Manager to oversee laboratory operations and personnel. The role involves managing workflow, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and has strong communication skills along with laboratory management experience. The position allows for up to 15% travel for customer support needs, ensuring a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and management skills in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
• Experience with regulatory compliance in laboratory settings.

Responsibilities

• Manage workflow of laboratory jobs for timely execution.
• Develop department goals and key performance metrics.
• Provide technical services and support to customers.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Laboratory or chemical safety and hygiene knowledge

Resource scheduling and project management experience

Experience with environmental safety compliance

Knowledge of analytical equipment (e.g., FTIR, SEM)

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or similar field

Tools

Analytical equipment knowledge

Job description

For nearly 50 years, BCI has been the leading supplier of products and services for the metal processing industry. A commitment to research and development preserves our leadership in the metal processing industry with new, innovative, and environmentally-friendly technologies. We pride ourselves on a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. BCI is always forward-thinking with our innovative technologies that meet and exceed the product quality, environmental and work safety requirements of today and tomorrow.

Benefits of Working at BCI

At BCI, we prioritize our people and are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive workplace. We offer a generous benefits package including:

• Company paid full medical, life, and disability insurance coverage
• Vision
• Supplemental life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Paid time off, including paid holidays

Position Summary

The responsibilities of the Laboratory Manager are to provide leadership and management to the laboratory personnel and operations along with being the primary contact for technical support to customers and BCI field personnel. This position provides technical direction and assistance on a wide range of chemical products and processes and be responsible for prioritizing and scheduling the workload for company resources. The Laboratory Manager will create and maintain a service-oriented, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and compliant environment for all associates.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Prioritize and manage workflow of requested laboratory jobs to ensure timely execution and maintain clear visibility of project status
• Develop department goals, key performance metrics, and strategies for success
• Serve as a primary point of contact for technical services and sales support, including project updates, trouble shooting, failure analysis, product selection, and product modifications to meet customer requirements
• Provide and/or direct on-site and off-site customer support
• Primary contact for internal departments for technical and laboratory assistance
• Directly supervise, coach, train, and evaluate laboratory personnel; improve skill sets to meet changing needs, enforce good laboratory practices and promote a culture of accountability, service, and technical excellence
• Hire technical staff and coordinate 3rd party service providers based on workload
• Ensure lab policies and procedures are in place, followed, up to date, and training completed for both compliance and proper laboratory purposes
• Oversee laboratory instruments and testing equipment, including maintenance, calibration, verification, and service coordination
• Coordinate laboratory and building projects, improvements, and housekeeping
• Ensure safe handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, samples, and waste in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements
• Develop, update, comply with, and enforce regulatory compliance programs
• Ensure laboratory compliance with quality system requirements
• Assist with intellectual property activities and management as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Laboratory or chemical safety and hygiene knowledge
• Resource scheduling, project management, and similar experience
• Experience with environment, safety, and other regulatory compliance
• Ability to travel (up to 15% of time)
• Knowledge of analytical equipment, such as FTIR, SEM, ICP, XRF (preferred)
• Knowledge of quality systems (preferred)
• Certified laboratory operations (preferred)
• Facility and equipment maintenance experience (preferred)

Education/Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry or similar field
• Experience: Laboratory, technical services, or similar management
• Experience: Familiarity with metal finishing or similar industry (preferred)