Chemistry Lab Manager

About the Role:

Manages the chemistry lab, meets production requirements, maintains Nadcap accreditations and provides leadership for lab personnel in all facets of laboratory operation. Evaluates for compliance to the appropriate test specifications and Nadcap criteria; Establishes procedures and documentation to meet Nadcap accreditation criteria for the chemistry lab; Interacts with Nadcap committees, standards organizations, and customers; Engages and leads all direct reports in efforts to meet and exceed internal and external requirements; Leads in bringing equipment on-line, validating, monitoring in accordance with Nadcap, ASTM, and customer requirements.

Qualifications (Required & Preferred):

Education:  M.S./M.A. Chemistry, Materials Science or Science (P); B.S./B.A. Chemistry, Materials Science or Science (R)

Experience:  Five years of experience in the metals industry (P); Background in Supervision (P). Lab Experience (P)

Areas of Knowledge: Chemistry or similar lab experience (P); Working knowledge of wet chemistry methods and instrumentation (e.g. XRF, ICP, OES, LECO, ICP-MS) (P); General chemistry (P), Fundamental chemistry lab technique (P); Test specifications (P); Nadcap audit criteria (P); Working knowledge of AMS Specifications (P); Working knowledge of ASTM Standards (P); Calibration and Validation of Instrumentation and Methods (P), Statistics(P)

Skills: Management (R); Communication (R); Computer (R); Data analysis (R); mathematical (R); Writing (R); Organizational (R); Time Management (R); Leadership (R); First Aid/CPR/AED (P); Process development (P); Analytical chemistry skills (P), Conflict resolution (P)

Role Accountabilities:

• Participates in the monthly safety meetings for supervisors. Conducts monthly safety meetings with direct reports. Monitors monthly safety audits. Maintains an environmentally and ergonomically safe workplace through suggestions and actions. Establishes and maintains 5S projects. Enforces the use of PPE. Writes and maintains JSA and LOTO procedures. Ensures all chemicals have a current SDS on file and direct reports are trained in acquiring SDS’s.
• Reviews relevant QCl’s, SOP’s and other quality documents for compliance to accreditation bodies, industry standards and customer requirements (e.g. Nadcap, ASTM, AMS, Aerospace). Where deficiencies exist in quality documents, revises existing or writes a new document to address the deficiencies. Reviews periodic test results for compliance to standards and specifications. Performs trending analysis to identify opportunities for improvement. Performs an internal self-audit of the performance of the Chemistry Lab personnel for compliance to documented procedures. Performs an internal self-audit of the compliance of the quality documents to accreditation body requirements. Address any deficiencies through the nonconformance system. Administers the internal round robin and external proficiency testing programs. Participates in the Melt Meeting and the Chem Definition Team. Leads the scale-up and validation of current new equipment (ICP-MS, wet lab, Bruker OE and ICAP) in accordance with Nadcap, ASTM and customer requirements. Leads the effort for the purchase of new equipment to reduce the dependency on outside laboratories. Maintains and/or establishes PM and calibration programs as required. Takes the lead in all customer inquiries (written and verbal) and visits. Leads the reaccreditation efforts by preparation and participation.
• Coordinates efforts of Chemistry Lab personnel to provide accurate, timely analyses for customers: Melt Shops, Technology, Environmental and etc. Schedules for personnel to provide uninterrupted coverage. Operates equipment to maintain proficiency in each testing discipline. Continually increases personal skills, knowledge and technology base. Recommends and accepts additional training. Develops and implements a program to cross train employees for flexibility. Works closely with Melt Shops and Technology to understand their needs. Manages the flow of tests throughout the Chemistry Lab. Sets timelines for testing completion and follow up on testing time to improve service. Provides oversight of personnel to look for opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
• Performs time-management. Tracks the budget for accuracy. On a monthly basis, informs the Director of departmental overages.
• Communicates effectively and clearly. Contributes personal and professional knowledge to enhance the skill of others and is receptive to direction and accept feedback in a positive manner. Demonstrates support of depart mental and corporate goals through flexibility and cooperation. Serves as a role model by actions and encourages others to reach their full potential using constructive feedback.
• Demonstrates impartiality in performing all laboratory activities. Furthermore, a presence of objectivity, independence, neutrality and freedom from conflict of interest will be maintained.
• Demonstrates confidentiality. Any information obtained or created during the performance of laboratory activities deemed confidential will be kept as such.