Lab Manager

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.