Laboratory Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Director of Operations – Chemistry Plant and Distribution Center

Location: De Pere, WI on-site

NCS supports car wash operators who wash millions of vehicles every year.  As a leading full-service fluids and systems provider to the vehicle care industry, NCS has served customers in North America for more than 50 years. The company provides comprehensive systems and aftermarket support, including service, parts, and environmentally friendly cleaning fluids.

Job Summary

As Director of Operations – Chemistry Plant and Distribution Center, you will be responsible for implementing manufacturing policies and programs that guide the facility in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability. This role has direct oversight of the manufacturing plant, the laboratory, the local warehouse/distribution center, and works collaboratively across the organization to ensure customer and business needs are met.  This role directs and coordinates associated resources to ensure that products are manufactured, tested, packaged, and shipped on schedule and complete, within quality standards and cost objectives.

Job Duties Leadership

• Provide leadership and development to the team, creating an engaging environment with clear responsibilities, defined goals, and visibility to weekly progress reporting.
• Work collaboratively in a matrix organization.
• Partner with Sales and S&OP on demand and production planning to ensure upcoming needs are planned, capacity-aligned, and executed effectively.
• Ensure products are shipped on time, accurately, and complete.
• Maintain awareness of equipment changes, additions, and modifications impacting chemistry plant, lab, or distribution center operations.
• Responsible for the annual operating budget, including capital expenditures; directs preparation of cost control reports, cost estimates, manpower, and facility forecasts.

Manufacturing, Lab & Distribution Center Operations

• Direct chemistry manufacturing operations to produce products at the lowest cost consistent with established specifications for quality and quantity.
• Provide leadership oversight for the onsite chemistry laboratory, ensuring timely and accurate quality control testing, documentation, as well as product development and release.
• Support new product introductions and formulation changes through close collaboration with Quality and R&D.
• Oversee distribution center operations, including inventory control, shipping, and receiving.
• Establish and maintain inventory controls and ensure inventory accuracy and turn targets are achieved.
• Ensure manufacturing, lab, and distribution center activities are synchronized with production plans and customer commitments.

Process Improvement

• Transform the culture to one of Continuous Improvement and Accountability.
• Develop, recommend, and support lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Formulate and install standard manufacturing and operational practices based on comparative studies of methods, costs, and production data.
• Identify and develop process improvement champions to continuously review and improve efficiencies and processes.

Procurement and Quality

• Work with procurement to review supplier quality reports and ensure suppliers meet company standards.
• Create and support a sustainable supply chain with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Participate as a member of the Quality Assurance Team to ensure quality metrics, controls, and countermeasures are implemented and maintained.
• Ensure lab results, production quality, and corrective actions are properly documented and communicated.

Management and Communication

• Lead managers and supervisors on the floor; be a visible leader, set goals, and instill a sense of urgency.
• Recruit, retain, and train qualified associates.
• Communicate through shift startup meetings, special events, and regular town halls so teams remain aligned on goals, progress, and successes.
• Maintain employee training programs and oversee implementation.
• Establish and maintain constructive dialogue with associates.
• Recommend and validate wage and staffing adjustments.

Compliance / General

• Comply with all applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, and local regulatory laws, and company safety policies.
• Ensure compliance across chemistry manufacturing, laboratory, and distribution center operations.
• Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of this position at any time.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Business, Chemistry, or other related discipline.
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years successfully leading a manufacturing operation, preferably in a regulated environment.
• Experience with quality systems and laboratory-supported manufacturing is preferred.
• Experience overseeing inventory, shipping, and receiving operations preferred.
• Experience in low-volume / high-mix manufacturing a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership and people development experience.
• Ability to implement lean manufacturing practices.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, and laboratory environments.
• Ability to work on production floors and in labs for extended periods.
• Ability to use required PPE.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials up to 25–50 lbs.

Grow your career supported by an energized and passionate team, professional development, training, flexibility and opportunities for advancement. We offer competitive wages and benefits including comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, matching 401(k), paid time off and more.

National Carwash Solutions is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation or veteran status.