Lab Supervisor

Plaskolite•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The position plays a key role in maintaining Plaskolite’s commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement — in alignment with the “One Plaskolite” culture of integrity, teamwork, and operational excellence. This position requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality—reflecting Plaskolite’s core values of Integrity and Improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Oversee daily lab operations, ensuring accurate data analysis and reporting in a timely manner Calibrate, maintain, and operate laboratory instruments and testing equipment such as gas chromatograph, infrared spectroscopy, impact testers, etc. Lab functions include research, analytical and support roles for multiple plants and business units Assist with quality investigations by testing suspect materials and contributing data for root cause analysis and corrective actions. Manage preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration programs for laboratory instruments to ensure accurate and reliable results. Develop and update laboratory test methods, procedures, and work instructions. Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability within laboratory processes. Directly supervise, train and mentor laboratory personnel in testing procedures, data documentation, and safety requirements. Record, analyze, and report test data accurately. Maintain proper documentation of all laboratory test results, including test records, calibration logs, and certificates of analysis. Participate in cross-functional teams supporting process improvement, quality assurance, and product validation initiatives. Collaborate with internal departments to provide technical support for customer inquiries and quality documentation requests. Communicate test results and quality concerns to Quality, Production, Engineering and Commercial teams in a clear and timely manner. Support product development and R&D projects by conducting performance testing and providing data and reports for material evaluations. Follow laboratory safety protocols, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials. Maintain an organized, clean, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with 5S and safety standards. Conduct audits and inspections of laboratory processes and records to ensure compliance with internal and external standards. Uphold all safety, quality, and environmental compliance requirements, including those defined by ISO, OSHA, and Plaskolite’s internal standards. Promote and model Plaskolite’s “One Plaskolite” values by demonstrating teamwork, accountability, and integrity in all laboratory activities. All other duties as assigned

Requirements

Ability to travel to customers and Plaskolite facilities, up to 10%
Exceptional problem solving, decision-making, situational and technical analysis skills
Ability to organize, prioritize, delegate, multitask, and work within established deadlines
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; strong Excel and PowerPoint
General knowledge in commonly used analytical techniques, including TGA, GC, GCMS, FTIR, and GPC.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily lab operations, ensuring accurate data analysis and reporting in a timely manner
Calibrate, maintain, and operate laboratory instruments and testing equipment such as gas chromatograph, infrared spectroscopy, impact testers, etc.
Assist with quality investigations by testing suspect materials and contributing data for root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Manage preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration programs for laboratory instruments to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Develop and update laboratory test methods, procedures, and work instructions.
Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability within laboratory processes.
Directly supervise, train and mentor laboratory personnel in testing procedures, data documentation, and safety requirements.
Record, analyze, and report test data accurately.
Maintain proper documentation of all laboratory test results, including test records, calibration logs, and certificates of analysis.
Participate in cross-functional teams supporting process improvement, quality assurance, and product validation initiatives.
Collaborate with internal departments to provide technical support for customer inquiries and quality documentation requests.
Communicate test results and quality concerns to Quality, Production, Engineering and Commercial teams in a clear and timely manner.
Support product development and R&D projects by conducting performance testing and providing data and reports for material evaluations.
Follow laboratory safety protocols, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials.
Maintain an organized, clean, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with 5S and safety standards.
Conduct audits and inspections of laboratory processes and records to ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
Uphold all safety, quality, and environmental compliance requirements, including those defined by ISO, OSHA, and Plaskolite’s internal standards.
Promote and model Plaskolite’s “One Plaskolite” values by demonstrating teamwork, accountability, and integrity in all laboratory activities.
All other duties as assigned