Job Description
Description Purpose The Lab Manager is responsible for leading the R&D, Quality Control, and Compliance teams to ensure the development, testing, and release of safe, high-quality, and innovative craft products. This role drives formula development, ensures regulatory and safety compliance, and upholds quality standards to support creative consumer experiences.
Essential Functions - Perform key job duties while upholding the Company’s Mission & Guiding Principles.
- Provide strong leadership and team-building skills for R&D, Quality Control, and Compliance team members.
- Develop departmental resource plans to support critical business objectives and the new product development roadmap.
- Support formula and product innovation by understanding consumer trends, evaluating new raw materials, and identifying emerging technologies in adjacent industries.
- Lead and manage the R&D lab, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
- Participate in cost-saving initiatives through reformulation or re-sourcing.
- Develop and maintain accurate documentation of formulations, test protocols, and test results.
- Conduct performance, shelf-life, and compatibility testing on new and existing products including dyes, paints, adhesives, markers, and other specialty craft products.
- Collaborate with the Brand team to ensure product performance and usage instructions are in line with consumer expectations.
- Ensure all formulations meet safety, quality, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
- Oversee the Fresno QC process and participate in the Craft Task Force to ensure product quality and troubleshoot potential product quality issues as they arise.
- Supervise compliance testing submissions, labeling guidelines, and MSDS creation.
- Respond to health and transportation emergency calls and collaborate with toxicologists and allied professionals to establish and maintain product conformance to all applicable health and safety regulations.
- Manage lab resources and department budgets, including material inventory and equipment maintenance.
- Ensure project timelines and priorities are met by acting as the lab's WorkFront project administrator.
- All other duties as assigned in support of the future growth and success of iLoveToCreate.
- Due to business needs, this job profile is subject to change with/without advance notice.
Team Leader Expectations - Advocate the iLTC culture within your team of direct reports and set an example of appropriate behavior in your partnership with peers.
- Ensure cross-functional projects and deliverables arrive in a timely and complete manner.
- Oversee the team's workflow, compliance with Company policies, and participation within the designated HRIS system.
- Maintain focus on the growth and development of all direct reports by ensuring team members participate in the iLTC Career Development Plan and succession planning programs.
- Facilitate department(s) budgets and team labor allocations.
Talent Profile - Be well organized and able to manage multiple short and long-term projects with exceptional attention to detail.
- Possess strong creative, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
- Develop a well-versed in Regulatory Laws pertaining to Consumer Goods Labeling, CPSC rulings, and California Proposition 65.
Requirements Education and/or experience - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related studies with a strong chemistry emphasis; MS or Ph.D. preferred; supplemental education in Coating, Dye, and Adhesive Science highly desirable.
- Minimum ten years of Research & Development in Coatings, Dyes, and Adhesives product development, or 12-15 years in related technical fields.
- 5-10 years management experience (direct or indirect) in a multilevel, fast-paced environment
COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND/OR TOOLS - WorkFront
- Microsoft Suite
- RingCentral
- IDF/Infor
- Miscellaneous lab equipment
Physical demands - While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach above/below shoulder level.
- Occasionally required to lift/carry/push up to 40 lbs, repetitively use both hands/arms/shoulders, forward bending/stooping and light grasping and fine dexterity of both hands. Ability to participate in a team lift for any lifting necessary over 40 lbs.
- Travel both domestically and internationally may be required in support of business objectives up to 10% of the working schedule.
Job Tags
Temporary work,