Summary

Our client is a worldwide supplier to the aerospace market for both civil and military applications. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Lab Manager is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the overall laboratory strategy in the plant, including departmental metrics, resource allocation, maintenance programs, budget development, and capital and process improvement projects. The Lab Manager is tasked with supporting profitable growth, ensuring costs and productivity goals are met. Improves on-time delivery to customers to targeted level. Adheres to process control/quality criteria to reduce rework. Manages applicable budgets for laboratory departments. Key performance indicators include: Safety Performance, Cost of Poor Quality, Productivity, On-Time Delivery, Revenue and EBIT.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the Chemistry and Metallurgical labs, their budgets and pipeline projects.
• Plans, organizes and supervises the test labs in accordance with production schedules and requirements in the most cost-effective manner.
• Develops plans for efficient use of materials, machines, and employees.
• Active participant in cost-savings, pipeline activities.
• Responsible for the safe testing / preparation of samples, safety in the areas of responsibility, and maintaining a safe, injury free work environment.
• Provides leadership to employees and ensures they have the proper tools to perform their job safely and efficiently
• Ensures that all employees work in a safe manner and that each employee is properly trained in all safety procedures. Ensures that good housekeeping practices are consistently followed.
• Responsible to drive safety, quality, dispatch adherence and productivity requirements in the most cost-effective manner.
• Ensure that all machines are functioning properly for testing / production and calls maintenance if the equipment requires repair. Ensures preventive maintenance is taking place on schedule.
• Ensures testing is performed according to procedure and specifications.
• Engages the team in identifying and implementing continuous improvement projects in the areas of safety, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensures compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Provides employee coaching and development. Resolves employee issues through problem resolution.
• Responsible for adherence to process control procedures, operating instructions, and all quality control instructions, and completes corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Ensures participation and adherence to Safety and Quality improvement initiatives, such as 6S, Zero Defects, etc.
• Maintains awareness of policies and procedures and assures compliance by assigned employees.
• Manages performance measures in areas of responsibility.
• Ensures throughput and target earned hours are attained and budget criteria is met or exceeded.
• Review variable costs, productivity, earned standard hours and throughput daily and implements effective corrective actions when targets are not achieved.
• Partnered with HR, conducts formal performance appraisals and recommends/approves pay increases, transfers, promotions, corrective counseling and terminations in accordance with Company policies and procedures and local, state and federal laws.
• Is aware of and manages hiring process with consideration for affirmative action goals and EEO requirements.
• Develops, trains, and involves employees in maintaining and improving departmental safety, efficiency, productivity, quality, cooperation and morale.
• Maintains adequate staffing to meet required production schedules.
• Effectively cooperate with other departments to attain departmental, company and corporate goals.
• Continuously stay informed of technological advancements and process improvements which may impact operations. Propose recommendations for improvement.
• Support and improve upon quality initiatives designed to meet plant goals.
• Establishes and executes capital planning efforts supporting manufacturing goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Excellent critical thinking skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, procedure manuals and use of good judgement.
• Must have demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Requires that the incumbent be highly organized, self-motivated individual who can work independently as well as work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to create a motivating environment and influence others to produce quality work within tight timeframes.
• Must have demonstrated abilities to lead people and get results through others, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be computer literate, particularly in spreadsheet, production planning and tracking applications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, execute and deliver results in conformance with action plans.
• Effective Interpersonal skills.
• Results-driven.
• Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Attention to detail and an attitude of 100% compliance with all company and regulatory requirements.
• Candidate should have a good track record in delivering new ideas, managing projects with financial responsibility, and provide leadership in directing technicians.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Engineering, Metallurgy or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Material Science, Engineering, Metallurgy or related field preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in a test lab environment with direct management responsibility. Also directing/supervising exempt/nonexempt team members to achieve the goals of safety, quality, delivery and profit.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of sound business practices.
• Effective business acumen and a strong mindset for continuous improvement.
• Attention to detail and an attitude of 100% compliance with all company and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

Contact:
Lee Bregman
Managing Director | Recruitmentality
D: (949) 774-4700
E: lee@leebregman.com