Laboratory Manager

Nathan Trotter & Co • Martinsville, VA

5d • $105,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Nathan Trotter & Co. is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead laboratory operations supporting its new manufacturing facility in Martinsville, Virginia. The role will build the laboratory from the ground up, establish technical standards, develop a high-performing team, and help ensure the quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

The Laboratory Manager is the technical leader for laboratory operations, ensuring analytical testing supports safe, efficient, high-quality manufacturing. The position leads laboratory personnel, advances continuous improvement, maintains quality and regulatory compliance, and partners with operations, engineering, and maintenance to optimize plant performance and support strategic business objectives.

This is an onsite, full-time, exempt position, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., reporting to the Operations Manager. The stated pay range is $105,000–$140,000 per year.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Five or more years of progressive laboratory experience in an industrial, manufacturing, chemical processing, metals, mining, or related environment.
• Three or more years of laboratory leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry, QA/QC systems, laboratory instrumentation, and analytical method development.
• Experience developing laboratory policies, SOPs, and quality management systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage laboratory operations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations through analytical testing and technical problem solving.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Microsoft Office, and statistical analysis software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in non-ferrous smelting, metal refining, recycling, or metallurgical processing is strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications related to laboratory management, quality systems, or safety are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations supporting production, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage laboratory workflow, staffing, scheduling, budgets, equipment, vendors, and operational resources.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor laboratory personnel, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Oversee laboratory quality systems, analytical methods, and standard operating procedures to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely results.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality standards, environmental regulations, chemical handling requirements, and workplace safety expectations.
• Serve as the laboratory's primary technical resource, providing analytical expertise and resolving complex technical challenges.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to improve processes and support production objectives.
• Evaluate and implement laboratory technologies, instrumentation, and process improvements.
• Represent the laboratory during audits, inspections, customer interactions, and cross-functional initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Paid time off: four weeks during years 1–10 and five weeks after 10 years.
• Paid holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan with a 5% annual employer contribution.
• Wellness programs and employee resources.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager