QC Lab Lead: Operations & Continuous Improvement

PPG Industries (UK) Limited; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits

401k matching

Paid vacation

Holiday pay

Job summary

PPG is seeking a Quality Control Lab Manager at our Cleveland, OH plant to lead daily laboratory operations, manage a team of technicians, and partner with cross-functional groups to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals. You will drive continuous improvement, RCA initiatives, and ensure data integrity across QMS and customer specs.

Ideal candidates will have a chemistry-related degree, 3+ years of lab experience in manufacturing, and 3+ years of people leadership, with strong communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of laboratory experience in a manufacturing, quality, or industrial environment.
• 3+ years of previous people leadership or management experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and improve performance.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong communication, coaching, and collaboration skills.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems, including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 preferred.
• Proficiency with laboratory data systems, Microsoft Office applications, and quality reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Complete daily allocation of laboratory resources and prioritize testing activities to support production and customer requirements.
• Lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians through coaching, training, performance management, and regular feedback.
• Promote accountability, engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement within the laboratory.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to support plant goals and customer needs.
• Facilitate root cause analysis (RCA) activities and lead corrective and preventive actions for quality-related issues.
• Identify, scope, and implement process improvement opportunities to enhance laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
• Collaborate with other Quality and Operations leaders to align priorities and improve performance.
• Lead daily shift and laboratory meetings to communicate priorities, safety topics, performance metrics, and improvement plans.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, consumables, and resources are available and maintained to support operational requirements.
• Support compliance with plant Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, customer specifications, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, records, and data integrity following established procedures.
• Develop and maintain personal and team development plans that support organizational succession and talent growth.
• Contribute to site strategic projects, departmental goals, and annual business plans.
• Promote and enforce a safety culture and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety requirements.

Skills

People leadership

Root cause analysis

Quality systems

Team coaching

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related

Tools

Laboratory data systems

Microsoft Office

Quality reporting tools

Job description

PPG is seeking a Quality Control Lab Manager at our Cleveland, OH plant to lead daily laboratory operations, manage a team of technicians, and partner with cross-functional groups to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals. You will drive continuous improvement, RCA initiatives, and ensure data integrity across QMS and customer specs.

Ideal candidates will have a chemistry-related degree, 3+ years of lab experience in manufacturing, and 3+ years of people leadership, with strong communication