Laboratory Manager
Position Summary
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.
Key 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.
Collaborate on multidisciplinary teams as required to reach research and business goals.
Manage and prioritize test requests from multiple business units and stakeholders. Set goals and tasks to effectively manage and execute multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Required Qualifications
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.
Company Benefits
Comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance.
A variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical, and financial health.
Community Engagement: Support for organizations promoting sustainability initiatives or addressing food and hunger needs.
Training and Development: Opportunities for advancement through skills development, formal education, and company training programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.