Laboratory Manager

JOB TITLE:             Laboratory Manager

COMPANY:              REMET® Corporation (Enhanced Wax Products)

REPORTS TO:        Operations Director

JOB PURPOSE:

• Manage product research and development, quality control and technical programs for the Enhanced Wax Products (EWP) SBU (e.g., Calwax, LLC and Southwest Wax).  Assist Operations Director by offering technical solutions and/or suggestions which will help the company’s production processes, profitability and customer satisfaction.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

• Supervise laboratory personnel which includes lab safety, lab procedures and project supervision. Also provide timely updates and training in use of products, applications, and testing methods.
• Review training and evaluate skill level of lab personnel and provide feedback to employee and management. Perform annual reviews of direct-report employees.
• Interact with customers when required to aid in determining root cause of issues related to EWP products.
• Interact with sales personnel and management to assist in making informed technical decisions regarding customer related issues, potential business gains and new product development regarding EWP products.
• Assist production as necessary to review product formulations and materials, make any necessary changes/substitutions, and rewrite product specifications and/or formulas of current products when necessary.
• Interact with suppliers to determine suitability of present products and determine feasibility of potential new products while negotiating the most cost-effective material requirements.
• Have working knowledge of current lab equipment and procedures. Recommend new equipment as needed. Maintain and manage all required and routine maintenance and calibration requirements of all necessary lab equipment.
• Maintain the REMET laboratory chemical hygiene plan and monitor safe laboratory practices and procedures.
• Perform routine quality control lab testing requirements on various finished goods. Testing methods include, but not limited to, DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) congealing point, drop melt point, and viscosity testing.
• Manage all Quarantine (QU) and Rework (RW) inventories to properly assess, recommend and approve additions to production batches to eliminate QU/RW inventory while reducing expenses and increasing profitability.
• Other duties and/or special projects as may be assigned by management.
• Follow all applicable ISO 9001 procedures and work instructions to ensure compliance with the documented Quality System. Understand and implement the REMET Quality Policy.

 KEY RESULT AREAS CONTINUED:

 Other duties and/or projects as assigned by management.

• Follow all applicable ISO9001 procedures and work instructions to ensure compliance with the documented Quality Management System.   (Understand and implement the REMET Quality Policy.)

 MAIN WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

 Internal 

•  Management and QEHS Team — Aid in developing and implementing lab projects and programs; review current lab programs, project reviews and safety programs; assist in supervision of lab personnel along with maintaining lab safety and productivity. 
• Management and Ops Director — Provide updates on progress of lab programs and projects; status of quality control testing for completed products batches and finished goods.
• Sales, Technical & Customer Service- Provide technical assistance for customer related issues regarding performance and use of Calwax products and services.

External 

• EWP Customers & Suppliers — To understand products purchased by REMET customers to provide technical support and problem solving for product application issues. Engage with vendors for raw materials and products purchased for internal manufacturing.

PROBLEM SOLVING COMPLEXITY:

 The nature of this position is diverse in that it requires both laboratory and management skills, as well as materials knowledge and process engineering skills. A good understanding of current industry practices and procedures is required. A thorough understanding of lab equipment and capabilities is mandatory. Reporting and tracking of project timelines and schedules are required along with ability to develop experimental designs and conduct data analysis using statistical methods.

• The ability to interact and communicate at several levels with customers, sales, technical, production, customer service and management is a high priority. A very high level of technical expertise and judgment is necessary to provide the customer with optimum recommendations are correct, and projects are completed in a timely manner.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE:

 The Laboratory Manager position requires an awareness of the Company's established policies, rules, regulations, and procedures as they relate to employment, safety and health, ISO 9001, ASTM, and general housekeeping. The jobholder must have product knowledge and be proficient in all the manufacturing and testing procedures. The jobholder must also possess the ability to operate all required equipment and processes.

• Reasoning Ability – Must be capable of making good decisions relevant to job requirements and referring higher level decisions to Management if necessary.
• Education and/or Experience – Minimum of a B.S. Degree in a scientific (e.g., Chemistry) or technical engineering curriculum or related field.

         Experience in the general field of wax, personal care and/or petroleum products industry in research and development would be helpful but is             not required