Job Description
What this job actually is
You'll run chemical lab operations across multiple sites. That means standardizing practices, improving processes, managing equipment, leading lab staff, and making sure everything runs efficiently and safely.
You need to be someone who gets stuff done, not someone who just talks about getting stuff done.
The real work
Daily operations:
- Lead lab staff across multiple locations
- Coordinate daily activities and solve problems as they come up
- Keep equipment running and decide when we need new stuff
- Review batch records and approve material releases
- Make sure we hit production schedules
Process improvement:
- Look at how each site does things, figure out what works, and standardize it
- Create and implement SOPs and protocols that people will actually follow
- Troubleshoot when results are off
- Recommend and implement changes that make us better
The people stuff:
- Hire, train, and develop your team
- Give real feedback—not just annual reviews
- Have the conversations that need to happen when performance slips
The business side:
- Track KPIs and report what matters to senior leadership
- Help with budget planning and control costs
- Work with Production Planning on capacity
- Negotiate with vendors
What you need
Must-haves:
- Bachelor's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years in chemical labs, including 2+ years leading people
- Understanding of chemical lab practices—vendors, chemicals, recipes, protocols, safety, equipment
- Good at managing projects and time
- Small amount of travel within New England
Nice-to-have:
- Advanced degree
- Multi-site lab experience
What actually matters
Can you look at different sites doing things different ways and figure out the best path forward? Can you lead people without micromanaging them? Can you spot problems before they become disasters?
If you need everything spelled out for you, this isn't your job. We need someone who sees what needs to happen and makes it happen.
Travel: Occasional within New England
What you'll get: Competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to actually improve how things work