Analytical Lab Manager

About the role

The Analytical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of Valvoline's oil analysis laboratory, leading a team of skilled scientists. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a team of laboratory professionals focused on oil and lubricant analysis.
• Cooking up testing schedules, priorities, and resources to meet customer and operational goals.
• Reviewing, validating, and approving analytical data to ensure consistency and compliance with ASTM and Valvoline standards.
• Overseeing calibration and certification of analytical instruments.
• Maintaining and managing equipment calibration schedules, documentation, and traceability in alignment with corporate quality systems.
• Supporting the development, implementation, and improvement of laboratory SOPs and testing methodologies.
• Ensuring all laboratory activities meet safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Acting as the technical point of contact for oil analysis programs, method troubleshooting, and customer inquiries.
• Diving into continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data and process insights to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Staying current with evolving ASTM test methods, emerging technologies, and best practices in lubricant testing and equipment calibration.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of laboratory professionals focused on oil and lubricant analysis.

Cook up testing schedules, priorities, and resources to meet customer and operational goals.

Review, validate, and approve analytical data to ensure consistency and compliance with ASTM and Valvoline standards.

Oversee calibration and certification of analytical instruments.

Maintain and manage equipment calibration schedules, documentation, and traceability in alignment with corporate quality systems.

Support the development, implementation, and improvement of laboratory SOPs and testing methodologies.

Ensure all laboratory activities meet safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

Act as the technical point of contact for oil analysis programs, method troubleshooting, and customer inquiries.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data and process insights to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Stay current with evolving ASTM test methods, emerging technologies, and best practices in lubricant testing and equipment calibration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (Master’s preferred).

5+ years of experience in an analytical or lubricant testing laboratory, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.

Demonstrated expertise with ASTM D-series test methods for oil and lubricant analysis.

Experience managing laboratory equipment calibration and certification programs.

Proficiency with analytical instruments including ICP, FTIR, viscometers, Karl Fischer titrators, and other industry specific equipment.

Working knowledge of ASTM standards and quality assurance systems.

Experience with LIMS platforms and data integrity protocols.

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to mentor, motivate, and develop team members.

Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities.

High attention to detail, organizational strength, and commitment to operational excellence.

Qualifications

None specified.

Skills

Strong leadership and communication skills.

Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities.

Benefits

Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)

Health Savings Account (with employer base deposit and match)

Flexible spending accounts

Competitive 401(k) with generous employer base deposit and match

Incentive opportunity

Life insurance

Short and long-term disability insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Employee discounts

PTO Buy/Sell Options

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer

Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills.