Group Leader- Technical Lab

Peter-Lacke USA is seeking a highly-motivated experienced individual to fill the position of Group Leader- Technical Lab. The Group Leader for the Technical Lab is responsible for leading the daily activities in the Technical Laboratory while providing guidance/assistance to the Quality Control Team. understanding both Peter-Lacke and customer technical requirements. The role is a hands-on position that provides guidance and oversight to direct reports in the Technical Lab. This individual also provides Technical Lab support to PLU customers including all OEM related tiers, sales team members, and end-users of our finished products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities of this position are outlined below. This list should not be considered all-inclusive. Other tasks may be assigned by the manager for this position as needed.

· Promote and demonstrate all EHS safe practices and policies.

· Manage daily laboratory activities including lab order delegation, project management, and target adjustments as needed.

· Effectively communicate scientific results and concepts internally and externally.

· Timely record all lab work and project data in an approved laboratory notebook.

· Sign off on all subordinate laboratory lab notebooks at regular intervals

· Propose and investigate constructive design improvements for both performance and cost.

· Support customer concerns on location as needed for solvent, water, and UV coatings customers.

· Train team for future growth and development.

· Generate painted parts/plaques/panels to be used for testing and/or demonstration purposes.

· Provide product scale-up information and resolution of processing issues faced by the Production team.

· Assist the Quality team with root cause analysis and customer concern resolutions.

· Maintain project tracker for lab priorities and regularly report on progress.

· Ensure team members maintain a professional, organized laboratory by keeping all lab equipment, fixtures, and common work areas clean, orderly, and follow Chemical Hygiene procedures.

· Represent Peter-Lacke professionally at industry shows and forums.

Supervisory Responsibilities

· The Technical LabGroup Leader supervises 3-5 chemists and technicians.

· Subordinate reviews, goal generation/revision, and growth plans are to be completed annually.

Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 4 or more years of work experience in the coatings industry. A High School Diploma with 6 or more years of coatings experience may also be considered.

· General knowledge of coatings industry related regulations is required.

· Experience with laboratory bench work and procedures. Automotive coatings experience preferred.

· Proficient in Word, Excel, and other Office applications.

· Able to maintain a valid Driver’s License and Passport.

Preferred Qualifications

· Automotive color technology, color matching, paint test, and automotive paint application methods experience.

· Knowledge and experience with automotive UV coatings systems.

· Bilingual in German and English.

· Understanding of automotive OEM’s specifications and material approval processes.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is regularly required to wear chemical safety PPE such as, but not limited to, electrostatic safety shoes and safety glasses. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel, primarily domestic, represents 20-25% of the job.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person