Research and Development Lab Manager
Job Description
Why Work Here? “Family Oriented, Great Benefits, Unlimited Earning Potential”
About Vitracoat, Inc:
Vitracoat has been manufacturing quality industrial coatings for over 76 years and powder coatings for over 45 years.
At the core of the Vitracoat brand is a trusted family-owned international leader of quality powder coatings. Throughout the years Vitracoat has expanded operations across multiple continents and is ranked amongst the top powder coating manufacturers in the world. We are a company of over 1000 employees, with production capacities exceeding 80 million pounds per year. Our powder coatings can be found in everything from everyday objects to aerospace and beyond. With our North American Headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana and with offices across the western hemisphere we are available to offer the best service and delivery in the industry.
1.0 POSITION OBJECTIVE: This position is responsible for managing the Houston technical team while coordinating and organizing all laboratory functions that serve the US and Canadian markets. This position will work closely with the Technical Director to prioritize and develop products that satisfy the needs of our customers and plans for growth. The Lab Manager will ensure that the laboratory follows standard operating procedures aiming to improve productivity, safety, and laboratory flow.
This role entails interfacing with external stakeholders such as customers, and vendors to develop partnerships that will advance the company vision.
2.0 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES will include the following:
Technical Expertise.
- Broad experience in processing and formulating powder coating.
- Must be proficient in the use of multiple communication methods to organize and direct effort.
- The person must be knowledgeable of the powder coating industry and competitors’ capabilities.
- This position must have excellent communication skills in English.
- This position will work closely with the Technical Director to develop new technological solutions and reduce time to practice through implementation of best practices
- This person will work with raw material suppliers to stay close to new technology.
- This position requires a good understanding of coatings and industry testing standards like ASTM, and ISO
- This position requires an understanding of the regulatory landscape for our market which includes but not limited to TSCA, SARA 313, Prop 65, and REACH
- Must be able to work with the plant and QC to ensure the highest quality of products.
Management Expertise.
- This position will be required to work within a team to find the best and most practical solutions.
- The person must have the willingness to travel both domestically and internationally as needed.
- Manage and coordinate LWR traffic to optimize our lab resources.
- This position must be able to work closely with Sales and Marketing, Operations, Quality and Safety to improve and develop processes and achieve compliance.
- This position will require a person with a proven track record in managing people.
Additional Responsibilities
- Spanish speaking is a plus for this position.
- Represent Vitracoat at functions as needed when needed.
- Some travel will be required and perhaps to Vitracoat’s corporate office in Mexico
- Some administrative needs will be necessary for this position in support of Regional Managers, Salesmen, and members of the Technical Support Team.
3.0 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position must be able to manage people by gaining their respect as well as guide and direct them for optimal performance and growth, all directed towards meeting business goals.
4.0 POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY This individual will be expected to work with a high level of independence yet also be comfortable working in a group environment. He/she will be expected to use good judgment, ethical decision-making abilities, and business initiative to drive the organization to meet its business goals.
5.0 QUALIFICATIONS Teamwork skills will be very important aspects of this job with an emphasis on his/her ability to communicate both orally and written.
6.0 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- BS or MS or PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in industrial coatings
- Ability to manage multiple projects is a must.
- Supervisory experience
- Organizational skills are essential.
- Communication skills, both oral and written will be significant.
- Experience and proficient use of all Microsoft Office programs.
- Experience with powder coating process and formulations.
- Presentation skills
- The ability to work independently
7.0 PHYSICAL DEMANDS The employee must be able to communicate clearly with others and must be physically able to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, and kneel.