Development Lab Manager

Full-time - Mid Level

Elk Grove Village, IL

1,001-5,000 employees

About the position

Beckers is seeking a confident individual to join the team as our Development Lab Manager in Elk Grove Village, IL. This position involves leading and directing a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians to meet overall technical targets and support development for the US. The role includes resolving technical issues related to Beckers’ coil coating products and services, meeting with customers and suppliers, and facilitating communication to satisfy existing customers and obtain new customers. The Development Lab Manager will also oversee activities in the Development team, manage specific programs and projects, and ensure compliance with quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians.
• Support the region’s marketing and selling effort by resolving technical issues.
• Meet with customers and suppliers to solve technical issues.
• Overview activities in the Development team and maintain performance records.
• Manage a team as well as specific programs and projects.
• Work with staff and other functional areas to provide new formulations and modifications.
• Assist in the development and revision of written procedures and work instructions.
• Review and update trial and revised status formulations.
• Lead the implementation of new programs, including software, to the lab.
• Ensure that products do not give rise to warranty claims.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities, including assigning projects to the team.
• Communicate directly with customers.
• Participate in internal meetings and industry forums as needed.
• Travel to customers, conventions, and other sites.

Requirements

• Minimum BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related science discipline; MS or PhD preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a formulation chemist for paint and/or coatings applied to coil metal products.
• Employee must have RCRA hazardous waste training within 6 months of assuming job responsibilities.
• Employee must complete all online safety training as outlined for the coil lab group.
• Employee must be trained and competent in all applicable ISO laboratory procedures.
• Employee must have training yearly on Emergency planning, including fire safety.
• Employee must be familiar with SWPPP.
• Employee must have DOT training before preparing shipments for transport.

Nice-to-haves

• Six sigma training.
• Technical service experience at customer sites.
• Extensive building products/construction industry experience.

Benefits

• Aetna/Meritain Health Insurance with options for deductible plans.
• Dental and Vision insurance through Guardian.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Life insurance benefits.
• Generous vacation and sick time available.
• Participation in 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Health Club partial annual reimbursement.