Laboratory Manager – Masterbatch

CEO Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CEO Inc. in the Greater Charlotte area is seeking a hands-on Laboratory Manager to lead daily lab operations in a plastics and polymers environment. You will manage testing workflows, equipment, calibration, and documentation while driving quality and process improvements.

You’ll mentor technicians, coordinate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams, and ensure compliance with ISO and ASTM standards. Strong leadership and data analysis skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of laboratory experience with leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of lab procedures, testing methods, and quality systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory activities including testing workflows, scheduling, equipment utilization, calibration coordination, and inventory management.
• Drive operational efficiency, organization, and process optimization within the lab environment.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and testing procedures aligned with ISO and ASTM standards.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory technicians and staff.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance development initiatives.

Skills

Laboratory operations management

Quality control systems and docs

ISO and ASTM testing standards

Laboratory instrumentation

Data analysis and reporting

SPC

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional coordination

Process improvement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Job description

Greater Charlotte, North Carolina Area / US Citizenship or Fully executed GC Required

(Must have Experience in Polymers and Plastics -No Exceptions)

We are partnering with a growing organization in the plastics and materials industry that is looking to add a technically strong, hands-on Laboratory Manager to lead daily lab operations, support product development initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across quality and testing functions.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing technical laboratory work, leadership responsibilities, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration within a manufacturing and materials-focused environment.

If you have experience leading laboratory teams within plastics, chemicals, polymers, materials science, or manufacturing environments, this could be a strong next step.

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead Laboratory Operations

• Oversee daily laboratory activities including testing workflows, scheduling, equipment utilization, calibration coordination, and inventory management
• Drive operational efficiency, organization, and process optimization within the lab environment
• Maintain laboratory documentation and testing procedures aligned with industry standards including ISO and ASTM
• Ensure laboratory compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements

Manage and Develop the Laboratory Team

• Lead, mentor, and support laboratory technicians and staff
• Assign priorities, monitor workloads, and help develop technical capabilities across the team
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance development initiatives
• Foster a collaborative, high-accountability laboratory culture

Support R&D and Product Development

• Partner closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams on new product development initiatives
• Analyze laboratory and materials data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Support formulation, testing, validation, and product qualification activities
• Contribute technical insight to ongoing research projects and process improvements

Drive Quality & Compliance Initiatives

• Develop and improve quality control procedures and testing methodologies
• Support statistical process control (SPC), quality analysis, and reporting initiatives
• Investigate non-conformances, testing discrepancies, and quality-related issues
• Assist with regulatory and documentation projects related to the plastics industry
• Support Global TDS initiatives and related compliance activities

Technical Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

Strong Experience With:

• Laboratory operations management
• Quality control systems and documentation
• ISO and ASTM testing standards
• Laboratory instrumentation and analytical equipment
• Data analysis, reporting, and trend evaluation
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving
• Cross-functional project coordination
• Process improvement initiatives
• Team leadership and technician development

Industry Experience Preferred:

• Plastics manufacturing
• Polymer materials
• Chemicals or specialty materials
• Compounding, resins, additives, or materials testing
• Manufacturing quality systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related technical field preferred
• 5+ years of laboratory experience with prior leadership or supervisory responsibilities
• Strong understanding of laboratory procedures, testing methods, and quality systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• High-visibility leadership role within a growing technical organization
• Opportunity to influence lab operations, quality systems, and R&D initiatives
• Collaborative environment with strong interaction across engineering, manufacturing, and product development teams
• Exposure to advanced materials and plastics-related technologies
• Career growth potential within a technically driven organization