Powder Coatings Laboratory Manager at Vitracoat in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

About Vitracoat America, Inc:
Vitracoat has been manufacturing quality industrial coatings for over 75 years and powder coatings for over 35 years.
At the core of the Vitracoat brand is a trusted family-owned international leader of quality powder coatings. Throughout the years Vitracoat has expanded operations across multiple continents and is ranked amongst the top powder coating manufacturers in the world. We are a company of over 1000 employees, with production capacities exceeding 80 million pounds per year. Our powder coatings can be found in everything from everyday objects to aerospace and beyond. With our North American Headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana and with offices across the western hemisphere we are available to offer the best service and delivery in the industry.
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
The Quality Control/Lab Assistant is responsible for evaluating product for acceptability to the performance and visual standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Retrieval of master standards for use in evaluation of color, texture and finish
Request from the Production Administrator any missing standards
Enter any new standards into the X-Rite color matching system
Retrieve formulas that have completed the weigh up process, place in que for production process
Evaluate product samples, from each stage of the process and evaluate for defects in accordance with the Technical Data Sheet and First Piece Report and record findings
Conduct final approval of all batches
Create batch panels for record keeping purposes
Create pre-ship panels as required by customers
Obtain final powder sample for retain purposes
Verify formula scale up issues by weighing lab shots for evaluation
Maintain work area and equipment in good working conditions
Other duties as required by supervisor

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY
This individual will be expected to work in a group environment and as an individual contributor. He/she will be expected to use good judgment, and ethical decision-making abilities when executing the job responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High School diploma is a must.
Organizational skills essential
Spanish speaking is a plus
Good verbal communication skills and the ability to work a part of a team or under direct supervision is essential
Basic Microsoft Excel, and Word knowledge is required

1.0 POSITION OBJECTIVE: This position is responsible for managing the Houston technical team while coordinating and organizing all laboratory functions that serve the US and Canadian markets. This position will work closely with the Vice President of Technology to prioritize and develop products that satisfy the needs of our customers. The position will also help design and implement plans for growth of the Houston technical team to help meet the demands of existing and future customers. Day-to-day, the Powder Coatings Laboratory Manager will ensure that the laboratory follows standard operating procedures aiming to improve productivity, safety, and laboratory flow.

This role entails interfacing with external stakeholders such as customers and vendors to develop partnerships that will advance the company vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES will include the following:

Technical Expertise.

Broad experience in processing and formulating powder coating.
Must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including ability to give clear instructions to technical team and effectively interface with leadership.
The person must be knowledgeable of the powder coating industry and competitors' capabilities.
This position will work closely with the Vice President of Technology to develop new technological solutions and reduce time to practice through implementation of best practices.
This person will work with raw material suppliers to keep up to date on new technology in powder coatings industry.
This position requires a good understanding of coatings and industry testing standards like ASTM, and ISO.
This position requires an understanding of the regulatory landscape for our market, which includes but is not limited to TSCA, SARA 313, Prop 65, and REACH.
Must be able to work with the production plant and the quality control team to assure the highest quality of products.

Management Expertise.

This position will require you to work within a team to find the best and most practical solutions.
The person must have the willingness to travel both domestically and internationally as needed.
Manage and coordinate LWR traffic to optimize our lab resources.
This position must be able to work closely with Sales and Marketing, Operations, Quality and Safety to improve and develop processes and achieve and actively maintain compliance.
This position will require a person with a proven track record in managing people.

Additional Responsibilities/Qualifications

Spanish speaking is a plus for this position.
Represent Vitracoat at functions as needed when needed.
Some travel will be required like visits to Vitracoat's corporate office in Mexico
Some administrative needs will be necessary for this position in support of Regional Managers, Salesmen, and members of the Technical Support Team.

3.0 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position must be able to manage people by gaining their respect as well as guide and direct them for optimal performance and growth, all directed towards meeting business goals.

6.0 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

BS or MS in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field is preferred.
A minimum of five (5) years' experience in powder coatings; equivalent technical experience in a similar industry will be considered.
Ability to manage multiple projects is a must.
Supervisory experience
Organizational skills essential.
Communications skills, both oral and written, will be significant.
Experience and proficient use of all Microsoft Office programs.
Experience with powder coating process and formulations.
Presentation skills
Ability to work independently, effectively time-managing and prioritizing your own workload and overall lab production targets

7.0 PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee must be able to communicate clearly with others and must be physically able to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, and kneel.