Lab Manager

Responsibilities:

• Direct and standardize the development of color formulas and specifications for all rubber and vinyl flooring products to ensure consistency and brand alignment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams of Mixing Room management, Polymer Chemists, Marketing, and Product Development to resolve non-conformance issues and establish new color standards.
• Oversee testing and qualification of pigments, color masterbatches, and other raw materials; revise color formulations as needed to maintain compliance and performance.
• Manage lab technicians and reclaimers in developing, verifying, and maintaining consistent color recipes across all product lines.
• Review and validate daily mixing schedules across all shifts to confirm color batch readiness and prevent potential production issues.
• Ensure customer samples and new color developments are completed on schedule and match approved color standards.
• Support paint operations for rubber cove base products by revising formulas, validating results, and establishing new standards.
• Investigate color mismatches, batch reclaims, and customer sample issues to determine root causes and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Generate weekly reclaim and color performance reports to track trends, process stability, and improvement opportunities.
• Perform periodic inventory audits of color masterbatches and coordinate with the Mixing Room Manager to maintain optimal inventory levels, ensuring faster turnaround and improved supply readiness for high-volume colored flooring products.
• Lead, train, and coach laboratory staff to uphold testing accuracy, calibration integrity, documentation consistency, and continuous improvement practices.
• Implement process control systems and visual management tools that improve first-pass color approval and reduce rework.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, productivity, and cross-functional problem solving within lab and production teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across all levels of the organization, including production, technical, and leadership teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and solve complex problems related to color variation, material performance, and process stability.
• High level of attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy, consistency, and quality in all aspects of work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications and data tracking systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive or proprietary information.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working in an office or laboratory environment.
• Ability to move throughout the plant, laboratory, and office areas as needed to support operations and collaborate with team members.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move materials and equipment (e.g., samples, files, or lab supplies).
• Ability to perform tasks that may include standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling materials on the plant floor.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing, in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to use standard office and laboratory equipment, including computers, printers, and testing instruments.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, lab, or mixing operations
• Significant experience in color matching (typically 10+ years) strongly preferred