R&D Operations Manager

Summary

We are seeking an R&D Operations Manager to manage and maintain standards of excellence for the primary R&D lab for AZEK Building Products located in Wilmington, OH.

The R&D Operations Manager utilizes good lab practices (GLP) and AZEK standards to maintain the AZEK R&D lab both safely and efficiently throughout the day-to-day operations. This management includes the development and procedures associated with safe operation of equipment, personnel, and standards to maintain an organized and efficient laboratory environment. This position has full leadership responsibility for a team of lab technicians driving a high-performing, collaborative culture centered on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The R&D Operations Manager leads lab projects to ensure the completion of lab test requests in coordination with on-site lab personnel, other AZEK labs and 3rd party testing labs. 

What You’ll Do:

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to a team of R&D lab technicians to ensure alignment with AZEK’s standards, safety policies, and operational goals
• Responsible for all aspects of the R&D lab; lab personnel, equipment, supplies, software & documentation
• Maintains a high level of organization and awareness throughout the lab, data access and updates on high priority projects should be readily available
• Trains lab technicians in the correct use of lab equipment, ensuring proper procedures are followed
• Mentors & disciplines lab personnel with accordance to company standards and expectations; planning, monitoring, and regular appraisals of lab personnel
• Follows and enforces industry standards and safety regulations as it relates to testing, sample preparation and disposal
• Schedules and optimizes lab or equipment use time for both lab personnel and other AZEK employees
• Work collaboratively with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, and business partners to establish and plan for future capabilities
• Manages the upkeep of the laboratory, lab supplies and equipment, including maintenance and calibration of instrumentation & equipment along with required PPE for all lab personnel
• Ensures the accuracy, security and accessibility of all data collected in the R&D laboratory
• Optimizes and improves laboratory workflow to improve efficiency and accuracy of work, considering the lab personnel
• Utilizes data-driven analytics to provide reports centered around the lab efficiency, resource demands and bottlenecks
• Implements new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation, equipment, and procedures; including all training and documentation associated with safe operation
• Coordinates with 3rd party testing organizations and other AZEK testing labs to conduct required testing and seamless
• Coordinate with operations, quality assurance, product compliance and vendors as needed to ensure compliance with standards
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

What You’ll Bring:

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or an equivalent science-based degree required
• 5+ years of experience in operations and leading a large team, expanding capabilities and coordinating support for R&D team
• Proven problem-solving skills and experience in a laboratory setting.
• Strong management and interpersonal skills with proven ability to communicate well with various audiences and situations
• General knowledge of polymer and composite properties along with standard test methods and analysis
• Experience with mechanical testing as it associates with building products or structural materials
• Understanding and interpretation of ASTM Standards and their application
• Strong mechanical aptitude as it associates with standard laboratory equipment (maintenance, upgrades, installation)
• Experience with document control centered around laboratory documents and procedures
• Willing to direct and receive direction from others
• Must have good multi-tasking skills and be flexible to shifting priorities 

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience in a lab management position with a wide spectrum of testing instrumentation and procedures

Percent of Travel Required Less than 25%

What You’ll Receive:

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Comprehensive low-cost co-pay Health Insurance; medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. Insurance starts on day one!
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement plan that will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation
• (Paid sick leave)
• Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Community Involvement & Sustainable Solutions
• Click here to learn more about our benefits

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

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