Laboratory Manager

A new challenge?

Pinnacle Polymers, LLC, a privately-owned polypropylene manufacturing facility, has an opening for a Laboratory Manager in Garyville, LA.

The Laboratory Manager is accountable for planning, directing and controlling all laboratory resources and personnel engaged in performing chemical and physical tests required for quality control of processes and products. Plans and directs special test procedures to analyze components and physical properties of materials. The Laboratory Manager upholds and promotes Pinnacle Polymers’ six Core Values: Safety First Always, People, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Teamwork, and Sustainability, in addition to the following functions:

Responsibilities:

• Oversee overall lab operations and lab safety.
• Manage and maintain regulatory and industry compliance in all areas of the Lab.
• Manage Team of Shift and Day Lab Technicians performing chemical and physical analyses which contributes to resolution of customer complaints, new product development, evaluation of raw materials, and troubleshooting of production upsets.
• Manage lab personnel administrative functions including scheduling, performance evaluations, training and workflow assignments.
• Support Lab development plans to foster departmental cross-training, 5S initiatives, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
• Maintaining lab equipment through verification and calibration standards. Troubleshoot equipment and schedule preventive maintenance.
• Foster relationship with instrument vendors to coordinate installation and ongoing calibration of lab instruments. Develop and validate methods for new lab instruments.
• Provide support to internal lab customers such as providing analytical results for Q-Hold investigations, interpreting product results for Customer Service inquiries, provide sample availability status to Sales and Marketing for potential and existing customers.
• Develop, maintain, and manage lab budget.
• Manage inventory levels of supplies and equipment. 
• Additional duties and tasks as determined by management

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Polymer Science or a related field
• 7-10 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing laboratory, preferably polymers
• 3-5 years of management or supervisory experience in a laboratory
• Demonstrated strong people management and leadership skills 
• Must be familiar with and be able to wear proper PPE 
• Must be willing and able to safely, effectively and efficiently carry out written and verbal job-related instructions, and adhere to all company policies and procedures
• Must have strong working knowledge of personal computers utilizing Microsoft Office applications
• Must possess the ability to multi-task
• Must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the safety of his or her own self, or the safety of others

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience utilizing SAP
• Experience utilizing Labsoft LIMS or other lab information management system