Polymer/Chemical Laboratory Manager

HTI; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HTI is seeking a Chemical Laboratory Manager for its Spartanburg plant. This full-time, direct-hire role leads a team of 18 chemists and lab techs, ensuring safe, compliant, and high-quality laboratory operations to support quality testing, R&D, and manufacturing needs.

The candidate must have a Bachelor's in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Polymer Chemistry, 6+ years in chemical lab manufacturing, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer Chemistry.
• At least 6 years of chemical laboratory experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Experience leading a team of 10+ scientists in a plant setting.
• Synthesis, scaling and troubleshooting in polymer chemistry.
• Strong communication, organization, and safety leadership.
• ISO 9001 and/or 14001 knowledge; OSHA/EPA compliance.
• SAP ERP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the chemical laboratory and a team of 18 chemists and lab techs.
• Train and coach lab staff on processes, safety, and quality.
• Review and improve current lab processes; develop testing procedures.
• Track inventory and oversee calibration of equipment.
• Schedule lab activities to support quality testing, R&D, and manufacturing.
• Develop and update SOPs and testing methods for products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional plant teams for projects.
• Prepare for audits and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure safety, environmental and quality compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Analytical chemistry

Written & verbal communication

Organizational skills

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GC/GCMS

HPLC

SOP development

ISO 9001 / 14001 knowledge

OSHA/EPA compliance

SAP ERP system

Job description

HTI is recruiting for a Chemical Laboratory Manager with a global manufacturing company at their Spartanburg plant. This is a full-time, direct hire position.

• Salary range is approximately $90,000 - $100,000 / year, depending on experience
• Will work normal daytime hours during the first few months, and then the work schedule will be 4 days on/4 days off
• Local candidates are preferred, but relocation assistance is available for candidates located within the Southeastern region of the U.S.

*Please note, candidates must have recent chemical laboratory management experience within the manufacturing industry (onsite at a plant) in order to be considered.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer Chemistry
• At least 6 years of chemical laboratory experience in the manufacturing industry
• Strong leadership and coaching skills/experience, with at least 3 years as a Lab Supervisor or Manager managing 10 or more team members
• Manufacturing plant chemical laboratory experience in the polymer industry (synthesis, scaling and troubleshooting)
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively set priorities
• Previous experience as an analytical chemist
• Wet chemistry, GC/GCMS, HPLC experience
• Experience with an ISO 9001 and/or 14001 certified manufacturing plant
• Familiarity with OSHA and EPA regulations within a lab environment
• SAP ERP system experience is strongly preferred
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship, both now and in the future

Job duties:

• Manage the chemical laboratory and a team of 18 chemists and lab techs
• Train and coach lab employees on processes, safety, and quality requirements
• Review current laboratory processes and implement changes and improvements
• Develop and validate testing procedures
• Track and maintain inventory of lab supplies
• Oversee equipment calibration and maintenance
• Manage and schedule all laboratory activities to support quality testing, research & development, and manufacturing needs
• Update, create, and implement SOPs and testing methods for new and existing products
• Review and approve analytical data, test reports, and documentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the plant, including production, R&D, quality, and engineering on new products, non-conformance investigations, and other projects
• Prepare for and participate in external and internal audits
• Implement and support corrective action planning when required
• Ensure a safe workspace for all team members through compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality regulations and standards
• Continuous improvement and process improvement projects