Laboratory Manager – Masterbatch

Laboratory Manager – MasterbatchGreater Charlotte, North Carolina Area / US Citizenship or Fully executed GC Required(Must have Experience in Polymers and Plastics -No Exceptions)We are partnering with a growing organization in the plastics and materials industry that is looking to add a technically strong, hands-on Laboratory Manager to lead daily lab operations, support product development initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across quality and testing functions.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing technical laboratory work, leadership responsibilities, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration within a manufacturing and materials-focused environment.If you have experience leading laboratory teams within plastics, chemicals, polymers, materials science, or manufacturing environments, this could be a strong next step.What You’ll Be DoingLead Laboratory OperationsOversee daily laboratory activities including testing workflows, scheduling, equipment utilization, calibration coordination, and inventory managementDrive operational efficiency, organization, and process optimization within the lab environmentMaintain laboratory documentation and testing procedures aligned with industry standards including ISO and ASTMEnsure laboratory compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirementsManage and Develop the Laboratory TeamLead, mentor, and support laboratory technicians and staffAssign priorities, monitor workloads, and help develop technical capabilities across the teamParticipate in hiring, onboarding, and performance development initiativesFoster a collaborative, high-accountability laboratory cultureSupport R&D and Product DevelopmentPartner closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams on new product development initiativesAnalyze laboratory and materials data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunitiesSupport formulation, testing, validation, and product qualification activitiesContribute technical insight to ongoing research projects and process improvementsDrive Quality & Compliance InitiativesDevelop and improve quality control procedures and testing methodologiesSupport statistical process control (SPC), quality analysis, and reporting initiativesInvestigate non-conformances, testing discrepancies, and quality-related issuesAssist with regulatory and documentation projects related to the plastics industrySupport Global TDS initiatives and related compliance activitiesTechnical Skills & Experience We’re Looking ForStrong Experience With:Laboratory operations managementQuality control systems and documentationISO and ASTM testing standardsLaboratory instrumentation and analytical equipmentData analysis, reporting, and trend evaluationStatistical Process Control (SPC)Root cause analysis and problem-solvingCross-functional project coordinationProcess improvement initiativesTeam leadership and technician developmentIndustry Experience Preferred:Plastics manufacturingPolymer materialsChemicals or specialty materialsCompounding, resins, additives, or materials testingManufacturing quality systemsCGMP environmentsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related technical field preferred5+ years of laboratory experience with prior leadership or supervisory responsibilitiesStrong understanding of laboratory procedures, testing methods, and quality systemsAbility to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environmentStrong communication, leadership, and analytical skillsWhy This Opportunity Stands OutHigh-visibility leadership role within a growing technical organizationOpportunity to influence lab operations, quality systems, and R&D initiativesCollaborative environment with strong interaction across engineering, manufacturing, and product development teamsExposure to advanced materials and plastics-related technologiesCareer growth potential within a technically driven organization