Laboratory Technical Services Manager - Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids

Univar; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Univar Solutions seeks a Laboratory Technical Services Manager for Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids in Houston, TX. You will lead strategic lab activities, manage product development projects, and collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Product Management to move formulations from concept to customer-ready solutions.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field and at least 3 years of R&D experience with a strong development focus, plus the ability to lead remote teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related scientific fields is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of R&D experience with a strong emphasis on development vs. pure research.
• Understanding of Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids raw materials and formulation is important.
• Experience in development and preparation of chemical products/formulation innovations in the specialty ingredients space.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and excel in remote team management.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab-based activity in one of our Solution Centers, ensuring objectives are set and resources are allocated.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales and Product Management to develop new consumer products or formulations from concept to customer presentation.
• Drive current and future new product development projects and serve as the technical expert for the portfolio.
• Develop prototypes to demonstrate ingredient function and aid in sales processes.
• Present and showcase new products at tradeshows and on digital platforms.
• Track projects and revenue generation, ensuring KPI targets are met.
• Visit customers with sales/marketing teams to develop new business opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership (remote)

Laboratory safety

Chemical formulation

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/chemical engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Laboratory instruments

Job description

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Title: Laboratory Technical Services Manager - Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids

Location: Houston, TX, US, 77073

Company Name: 1001

Requisition ID: 36120

A Place Where People Matter.

Start your career journey with Univar Solutions! Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you.

As a Lab Technical Services, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Univar Solutions: Custom Lab Services. You will lead product development and innovation for project portfolios and applications.

What you'll do

• Lead lab-based activity in one of our Solution Centers, ensuring that objectives are set, targets are met, and resources are allocated and prioritized appropriately.
• Working closely with Marketing, Sales and Product Management teams to develop new consumer products or formulations, from the concept phase through to customer presentation.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and innovation process and drive current and future new product development projects.
• Be the technical expert for all facets of the existing product portfolio.
• Develop new product prototypes to demonstrate ingredient function and aid in the sales process.
• Showcase new products at industry tradeshows and on various digital platforms.
• Build and prepare detailed results for review. Track and supervise projects and revenue generation, ensuring that all KPIs are being met.
• Host and visit customers together with the sales, marketing, and product management teams to develop new businesses and support existing business opportunities.
• Sets up, calibrates, operates, and performs minor maintenance and repair of various laboratory instruments and equipment; takes necessary steps to optimize instrument performance.
• Assists with the Company’s safety program within assigned areas, conducts periodic safety inspections; and provides for the maintenance and protection of Company equipment.

What you'll need

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related scientific fields is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of research and development experience, with a very strong emphasis on development vs. pure research.
• Understanding of Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids raw materials and formulation is important.
• Skilled in the creative development and preparation of chemical products/formulation innovations in the specialty ingredients space, knowledge of standard key test methods, and knowledge of laboratory and manufacturing standard methodologies.
• Must have the ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize workload, and excel at team management at a distance.
• Ability to develop and grow positive relationships with key customer contacts and suppliers.
• High level of decision-making ability balancing customer needs and company objectives.
• Computer skills including Microsoft applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position in a laboratory environment, including working safely around chemicals and formulation materials; using standard laboratory equipment; remaining stationary or standing for extended periods; and occasionally walking, bending, reaching, squatting, and performing tasks requiring manual dexterity and fine motor skills, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Travel Requirement of ~10%.

Where you’ll work

This is a hybrid opportunity. Our Univar Solutions Custom Lab Services is in Houston, TX. Preference for candidates located in the area.

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing .

Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe!

We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion.

Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges the unique experiences, perspectives and expertise of individuals and provides the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry.

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail] .

Univar Solutions does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms (collectively Recruiting Firms). Recruiting Firms must enter into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Univar Solutions prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. All searches must be initiated by Univar Solutions' Talent Acquisition team and candidates must be submitted via Applicant Tracking System (ATS) by approved vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless the aforementioned conditions have been met. Contacting our hiring managers directly is prohibited.