Thermoset Powder Coating Lab Manager

Vitracoat, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lab Manager to lead their technical team in Houston. This role involves managing laboratory functions, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and developing innovative solutions in the powder coating sector. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in powder coating formulation and a strong background in chemistry or materials science. You will collaborate closely with various departments to drive product development and enhance operational efficiency. If you're passionate about advancing technology in coatings and enjoy working with a dynamic team, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in powder coating formulation is essential.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Manage the technical team and coordinate laboratory functions.
• Interface with customers and vendors to develop partnerships.
• Work closely with the Technical Director on product development.

Skills

Powder Coating Formulation

Communication Skills

Project Management

Teamwork

Regulatory Knowledge

Technical Expertise in Coatings

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS in Materials Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is responsible for managing the Houston technical team while coordinating and organizing all laboratory functions that serve the US and Canadian market. This position will work closely with the Technical Director to prioritize and develop products that satisfy the need of our customers and plans for growth. The Lab Manager will ensure that the laboratory follows standard operating procedures aiming to improve productivity, safety, and laboratory flow. This role entails interfacing with external stakeholders such as customers and vendors to develop partnerships that will advance the company vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technical Expertise:
   • Broad experience in processing and formulating powder coating.
   • Must be proficient in the use of multiple communication methods to organize and direct effort.
   • The person must be knowledgeable of the powder coating industry and competitors' capabilities.
   • This position must have excellent communication skills in English.
   • This position will work closely with the Technical Director to develop new technological solutions and reduce time to practice through implementation of best practices.
   • This person will work with raw material suppliers to stay close to new technology.
   • This position requires a good understanding of coatings and industry testing standards like ASTM and ISO.
   • This position requires understanding of regulatory landscape for our market which includes but is not limited to TSCA, SARA 313, Prop 65, and REACH.
   • Must be able to work with the plant and QC to assure the highest quality of products.
   • Must have more than 10 years of powder coating formulation experience.
2. Management Expertise:
   • This position will be required to work within a team to find the best and most practical solutions.
   • The person must have the willingness to travel both domestically and internationally as needed.
   • Manage and coordinate LWR traffic to optimize our lab resources.
   • This position must be able to work closely with Sales and Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Safety to improve and develop processes and achieve compliance.
   • This position will require a person with a proven track record in managing people.
3. Additional Responsibilities:
   • Spanish speaking is a plus for this position.
   • Represent Vitracoat at functions as needed.
   • Some travel will be required, perhaps to Vitracoat’s corporate office in Mexico.
   • Some administrative needs will be necessary for this position in support of Regional Managers, Salesmen, and members of the Technical Support Team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position must be able to manage people by gaining their respect as well as guide and direct them for optimal performance and growth, all directed towards meeting business goals.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY

This individual will be expected to work with a high level of independence yet also be comfortable working in a group environment. He/she will be expected to use good judgment, ethical decision-making abilities, and business initiative to drive the organization to meet its business goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Teamwork skills will be very important aspects of this job with an emphasis on his/her ability to communicate both orally and written.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• BS or MS or PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in industrial coatings.
• Ability to manage multiple projects is a must.
• Communications skills, both oral and written will be significant.
• Experience and proficient use of all Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience with powder coating process and formulations.
• The ability to work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must be able to communicate clearly with others and must be physically able to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, and kneel.

SENIORITY LEVEL

Mid-Senior level

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Full-time

JOB FUNCTION

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

INDUSTRIES

Chemical Manufacturing