We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Quality Control Lab Manager to join our team at Novation Solutions.

General Functions and Scope

The Quality Control Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing all laboratory testing and quality control activities in a silicone mixing and compounding plant. This role ensures that raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products meet established specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Additionally, the QC Lab Manager will serve as the site Quality Management System (QMS) owner for ISO 9001, ensuring ongoing certification, compliance, and continuous improvement across the facility. The QC Lab Manager will lead a team of technicians, maintain testing equipment and methods, and collaborate with production, R&D, and operations to uphold product quality and site-wide quality standards.

Essential Functional Areas of Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Direct and oversee daily laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process silicone batches, and finished products.
• Establish, implement, and maintain testing protocols, analytical methods, and quality standards.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and operated per established procedures.
• Review and approve test results, certificates of analysis, and quality documentation.

ISO 9001 Quality Management

• Serve as site lead for ISO 9001 certification, audits, and surveillance activities.
• Maintain and update the site Quality Management System (QMS) documentation, procedures, and records.
• Conduct internal audits and coordinate corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) across departments.
• Provide ISO 9001 training to employees and promote a culture of quality throughout the plant.
• Lead management reviews and communicate QMS performance metrics to leadership.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, train, and mentor QC laboratory staff, including chemists and technicians.
• Assign daily priorities and ensure timely completion of lab testing to support production schedules.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous learning within the lab team.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other applicable quality and regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, REACH).
• Support audits (internal, customer, and regulatory) by providing laboratory data and documentation.
• Lead investigations of non-conformances and deviations, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with production and R&D on root cause analysis and problem resolution.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality documentation.
• Implement statistical process control (SPC) and data-driven decision-making for batch quality monitoring.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance data integrity.
• Support new product development and scale-up by developing test methods and validating specifications.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Ensure safe laboratory operations and compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations.
• Promote proper handling and disposal of chemicals, silicones, and test materials.
• Lead safety training and risk assessments for laboratory staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has supervisory duties.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

Experience: Minimum 3–5 years in a quality control or quality assurance environment, with at least 2-4 years in a leadership role. Experience in silicone, polymers, or chemical processing strongly preferred.

Technical Knowledge:

• Proficiency in laboratory testing techniques for silicone and polymer materials (viscosity, rheology, hardness, tensile, cure analysis, FTIR, etc.).
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and audit requirements.
• Familiarity with cGMP and other applicable quality systems.
• Understanding of SPC, statistical analysis, and laboratory data management.

Core Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use fingers; walk; sit; stand; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, crouch, kneel, or crawl.
• This employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to a moderate noise level.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be frequently exposed to the plant and manufacturing environments of our customers and suppliers and may vary in temperature, dust particles, and noise levels.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,500.00 - $87,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of Lab Management do you have?
• How many years of experience working with silicone, polymers, or chemical processing do you have?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Quality management: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person