Lab Manager

Roppe•Fostoria, OH

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lab Manager will direct and standardize the development of color formulas and specifications for all rubber and vinyl flooring products to ensure consistency and brand alignment. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve non-conformance issues, overseeing the testing and qualification of raw materials, and managing lab technicians. The Lab Manager will also be responsible for reviewing daily mixing schedules, supporting paint operations, investigating color mismatches, generating performance reports, and managing inventory of color masterbatches. Additionally, this position involves leading, training, and coaching laboratory staff, implementing process control systems, and championing continuous improvement initiatives. Essential functions include strong communication and interpersonal skills, data analysis abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role requires proficiency in standard computer applications, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and the capacity to work in both office and laboratory settings, including occasional lifting and movement of materials.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, lab, or mixing operations
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field preferred
Significant experience in color matching (typically 10+ years) strongly preferred

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.