Lab Manager

$110,000 - 130,000

REPORTS TO THIS POSITION TITLE  Senior Director of Brand Management

PURPOSE

The Lab Manager is responsible for leading the R&D, Quality Control, and Compliance teams to ensure the development, testing, and release of safe, high-quality, and innovative craft products. This role drives formula development, ensures regulatory and safety compliance, and upholds quality standards to support creative consumer experiences. 

POSITION ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING KEY RESULTS

• Perform key job duties while upholding the Company’s Mission & Guiding Principles. 
• Provide strong leadership and team-building skills for R&D, Quality Control, and Compliance team members.
• Develop departmental resource plans to support critical business objectives and the new product development roadmap.
• Support formula and product innovation by understanding consumer trends, evaluating new raw materials, and identifying emerging technologies in adjacent industries.
• Lead and manage the R&D lab, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Participate in cost-saving initiatives through reformulation or re-sourcing. 
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation of formulations, test protocols, and test results.
• Conduct performance, shelf-life, and compatibility testing on new and existing products including dyes, paints, adhesives, markers, and other specialty craft products. 
• Collaborate with the Brand team to ensure product performance and usage instructions are in line with consumer expectations.
• Ensure all formulations meet safety, quality, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
• Oversee the Fresno QC process and participate in the Craft Task Force to ensure product quality and troubleshoot potential product quality issues as they arise.
• Supervise compliance testing submissions, labeling guidelines, and MSDS creation. 
• Respond to health and transportation emergency calls and collaborate with toxicologists and allied professionals to establish and maintain product conformance to all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Manage lab resources and department budgets, including material inventory and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure project timelines and priorities are met by acting as the lab's WorkFront project administrator.
• All other duties as assigned in support of the future growth and success of iLoveToCreate.
• Due to business needs, this job profile is subject to change with/without advance notice.

Team Leader Expectations

• Advocate the iLTC culture within your team of direct reports and set an example of appropriate behavior in your partnership with peers.
• Ensure cross-functional projects and deliverables arrive in a timely and complete manner. 
• Oversee the team's workflow, compliance with Company policies, and participation within the designated HRIS system. 
• Maintain focus on the growth and development of all direct reports by ensuring team members participate in the iLTC Career Development Plan and succession planning programs.
• Facilitate department(s) budgets and team labor allocations.

TALENT PROFILE

• Be well organized and able to manage multiple short and long-term projects with exceptional attention to detail.
• Possess strong creative, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Develop a well-versed in Regulatory Laws pertaining to Consumer Goods Labeling, CPSC rulings, and California Proposition 65.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related studies with a strong chemistry emphasis; MS or Ph.D. preferred; supplemental education in Coating, Dye, and Adhesive Science highly desirable.
• Minimum ten years of Research & Development in Coatings, Dyes, and Adhesives product development, or 12-15 years in related technical fields.
• 5-10 years management experience (direct or indirect) in a multilevel, fast-paced environment

COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND/OR EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MACHINES

• WorkFront
• Microsoft Suite
• RingCentral
• IDF/Infor
• Miscellaneous lab equipment

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach above/ below shoulder level.
• Occasionally required to lift/carry/push up to 40 lbs, repetitively use both hands/arms/shoulders, forward bending/stooping and light grasping and fine dexterity of both hands. Ability to participate in a team lift for any lifting necessary over 40 lbs.
• Travel both domestically and internationally may be required in support of business objectives up to 10% of the working schedule.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

 iLoveToCreate is committed to the highest safety standards. The responsibilities of the position include compliance with all federal and state safety regulations and procedures as well as understanding and application of all safety policies in accordance with the iLoveToCreate Safety Manual and the Company’s Injury Illness & Prevent Program (IIPP).

 

“Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At iLoveToCreate, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the candidate for this or other roles.”

Visa sponsorship for this role is not available.