Lab Manager - Cleaning & Corrosion - Quaker Houghton

Company Overview:

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of chemical specialties, process fluids, lubricants, and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial companies and to this day our experience and expertise show in the actions and dedication of our Associates worldwide. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Position Summary:

Partner with local Commercial team and Regional Lab Directors in setting short- and long-term goals and directions for local laboratories. Ensure the safe, effective, and efficient operation of designated laboratory.

Subject Matter Expert in one or more product families and/or applications. Interacts with Center of Innovation (COI) and Commercial Groups in the development of new products and applications, product enhancements and reformulations.

What will you do?

• Initiates, assigns, and supervises Projects based on focused Research and Development Pipeline, and communicates results regularly and effectively to both internal and external customers.

• Develop regional portfolio products in one or more applications, aligned with customer needs complying with product strategy and change management process with valid business justifications. This is done in conjunction with Commercial Group (Sales, Product Line Manager, etc.) with consultation of COIs is mandatory to assure that best practices on formulation concepts and test methods e.g., on benchmarking campaigns is always considered.

• Working with Product Stewards & EHS to make sure that new technologies are aligned with global compliance requirements and restraints in terms of product risks.

• Assists in maintaining a Product Portfolio which captures raw material and operational synergies in support of continuous improvement of quality and profitability.

• Responsible for resolution of customer technical complaints with clear understanding of root cause and drive correct and preventive actions to be put in place, with joint responsibility from commercial account managers and field technical program managers. Visiting Customers to better understand the market needs.

• Support the local Supply Chain/Production in production process definition, waste disposal, Quality Control, and all other collateral needs.

• Support Raw Material team in approving raw materials according to EHS rules, to incorporate them in new formulations and better answer market needs. Adopt the common agreed standards associated with product testing and analysis.

• Support the local Supply Chain and Commercial leads to identify localization of products with local raw materials in both Quaker Houghton production plants and at appointed toll manufacturers.

• Ensure robust IP management system in both own manufacturing facility and at approved tollers. Also support guidance in formulation disclosure during import/export declaration.

• Trains, supervises and is responsible for Work Safety in group, completes all necessary training, and ensures EH&S compliance for products and customer solutions. Responsible for Lab procedures, equipment, and the upkeep of ISO documentation. Follow / initiate / drive Sustainability agreements.

• Other general lab management, including Manage the Local lab Budget, or budget segment, in accordance with the budget; organizes and provides timely technical support to include process initiatives, customer visit reports, as well as monthly reports on projects and activities.

• Utilize the Annual Performance Appraisal process to manage staff by objectives and provide constructive feedback to aid development. Provide regular and ongoing feedback to employees.

• Responsible for the hiring, training, developing, and evaluating lab personnel.

• An effective communicator, known as a technical authority at technical societies and in seminars. Keeps abreast of new technologies.

• Other duties and projects as assigned.

What do we look for?

• The demonstration of solid decision-making skills

• Excellent people management skills with a focus on talent development/assessment and pro-active problem resolution

• Fluency in a variety of laboratory equipment and methodologies

• Business acumen – see link between products, applications and technology and overall business impact.

• Understanding of customer intimacy

• Ability to set priorities, manage multiple initiatives and achieve budget targets.

• Superior communication skills – verbally and written.

• Command of the English language – verbally and written

Education, Experience and Training:

• B.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, preferably Master’s Degree

Required Minimum Number of Years of Relevant Experience:

• 7+ years’ experience managing multiple global HR systems and applications within a global, mid-sized organization.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory

• Opportunities to see your efforts contribute toward the success of the business.

• Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry

• On-site Fitness Center and Cafeteria

Quaker Houghton is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who need assistance applying for a position may email OneHR@quakerhoughton.com.