Laboratory Manager

Novolex • Roanoke, TX

74d

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.
• Expertise in the assessment of the fundamental properties of polymers and materials is required.
• Knowledge of analytical methods used to quantify materials, additives, and coatings at the molecular level is required.
• Record of successful new analytical testing method development and scientific report writing.
• Lead method development, validation, and ensure SOP adherence.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise with TGA, DSC, FTIR, GC-MS, mechanical load frame testing, and optical microscopy is preferred.
• An understanding of secondary and tertiary packaging test methods is ideal.
• Knowledge of polymer and materials processing techniques commonly used within the packaging industry is preferred.
• Experience in the identification and quantification of the materials and additives utilize to manufacture plastic and paper-based packaging.

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 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

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union)

What This Job Offers

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