Laboratory Manager

Novolex • Roanoke, TX

1d

About The Position

The Lab Manager leads and develops the analytical and physical testing laboratory supporting flexible packaging across both plastic films and paper substrates. This role ensures technical excellence, method reliability, safety, and data integrity while fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment for analytical scientists and laboratory technicians.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of deep technical analysis experience in plastics and paper packaging materials.
• Experience managing a team of analytical scientists and lab technicians.
• Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Packaging Science, Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field.
• Experience with LIMS and digital data systems.
• Familiarity with recyclable and sustainable packaging technologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with mechanical, thermal, and spectroscopic techniques is required.
• Knowledge of analytical methods used to quantify materials, additives, and coatings at the molecular level is required.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise with TGA, DSC, FTIR, GC-MS, mechanical load frame testing, and optical microscopy is preferred.
• Expertise in the assessment of the fundamental properties of polymers and materials is required along with an understanding of secondary and tertiary packaging test methods is ideal as well.
• Knowledge of polymer and materials processing techniques commonly used within the packaging industry is preferred.
• Record of successful new analytical testing method development and scientific report writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, providing coaching, performance management, and training.
• Cultivate a team-oriented, collaborative environment aligned with Novolex values.
• Set team priorities and balance workloads.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including scheduling, safety, and resource allocation.
• Establish and track laboratory KPIs.
• Manage laboratory budgeting and equipment planning.
• Provide direction and oversight for testing including chemical, thermal, rheological, optical, and physical property testing.
• Lead method development, validation, and ensure SOP adherence.
• Lead root-cause analysis for customer complaints and out-of-spec results
• Work closely with Operations, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams.
• Drive improvements in automation, data systems, and statistical rigor.
• Ability to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams as required to reach research and business goals.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage and prioritize test requests from multiple business units and stakeholders.
• Ability to set goals and tasks to effectively manage and execute multiple projects with competing deadlines.

Benefits

• comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health.
• constant opportunities for advancement.
• skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning.
• company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees