Lab Manager

Description

The Lab Manager role is to ensure execution of company lubricant formulary strategy by overseeing and directing laboratory personnel and chemists and serves as the point contact for internal departments such as sales and production in the Tulsa plant. This position includes prioritizing work and managing the daily activities of the lab, ensuring procedures, controls and quality programs are in place and enforced. The Lab Manager along with their team are responsible for supporting the Business with formulation development covering a wide range of products, including but not limited to automotive fluid (engine oils, gear fluids, transmission fluids, etc.), natural gas engine oils, industrial fluids, soaps and cleaners, etc. This includes optimizing and integrating our formulation technology with regards to sourcing, regulatory, and technology trends. This is a safety sensitive position.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage, direct, and train lab personnel
• Manage all day-to-day aspects of the lab, including equipment, consumables, and lab appearance
• Manage policies, procedures, work instructions, forms, training and metric reporting
• Work with the sales staff and customers to define and manage new product development opportunities
• Develop, implement and maintain evaluation process for the approval of raw materials
• Identify and solve customer technical issues
• Work with private label customers to resolve technical issues and increase sales
• Work with the plant operations staff to help enhance manufacturing procedures and solve plant issues as they apply to the production of lubricants
• Work with the plants to maintain and control obsolete inventories
• Develop relationships with key vendors and stay abreast of market trends for both raw materials and finished goods
• Research raw material availability keeping market trends in mind, developing lubricants that are both functional and economical
• Coordinate new patent applications as technology is developed
• Evaluate the product library and determine new formulation paths that reduce cost while maintaining product quality
• Support product information sheet generation by providing requested technical information
• Represent the company at various industry technical meetings and gatherings
• Other tasks as deemed necessary by management
  
  

Requirements

• BS in Chemistry or similar degree preferred
• Industry certifications preferred: STLE CLS, CMFS, OMA, NLGI, CLGS
• 5+ years’ experience preferred
• 5+ years’ supervisory experience preferred
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with deadlines