Laboratory Operations Manager Jobs in Athens, OH

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Job Summary
Quality Manager
The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Quality function at the Red Diamond Plant, including laboratory operations, quality systems, quality engineering, process verification, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position is accountable for ensuring products consistently meet customer, company, regulatory, and specification requirements through effective management of quality personnel, testing programs, quality systems, and data-driven decision making.
The Quality Manager is responsible for product quality performance, customer complaint investigations, non-conformance management, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), process verification, statistical analysis, and laboratory integrity. This position is expected to utilize data and analytical tools to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure quality systems support the site's strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Quality Systems Management
Develop, implement, and maintain site quality systems and procedures. Ensure products are manufactured and tested in accordance with company specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory requirements. Lead management of non-conforming product investigations and disposition decisions. Own the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process and ensure timely closure of quality-related actions. Develop and maintain quality records, procedures, specifications, and documentation. Lead internal quality audits and support corporate, customer, and regulatory audits. Drive continuous improvement of quality systems and laboratory processes.
Product Quality and Process Verification
Monitor product quality performance and identify opportunities to reduce variation and improve consistency. Lead process verification activities to ensure manufacturing processes remain capable and in control. Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis to improve product quality and manufacturing performance. Analyze quality trends and recommend actions to improve process stability and product conformity. Partner with Operations and Engineering to identify root causes of quality issues and implement sustainable solutions. Establish quality metrics and performance indicators to measure and improve quality performance. Support Management of Change (MOC) reviews and assess potential impacts to product quality.
Laboratory Operations
Lead daily Quality Control laboratory operations and ensure testing activities support production requirements. Ensure testing methods are accurate, repeatable, and performed in accordance with approved procedures. Maintain laboratory equipment calibration, qualification, and preventive maintenance programs. Ensure laboratory personnel are properly trained and qualified. Maintain laboratory inventory, standards, and reference materials. Ensure laboratory data integrity and proper management of quality records. Continuously improve laboratory efficiency, effectiveness, and turnaround times.
Customer Complaints and Investigations
Lead investigations of customer complaints, field issues, quality incidents, and non-conformances. Conduct root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventive actions. Monitor complaint trends and identify systemic improvement opportunities. Coordinate quality-related communications with customers, technical groups, and manufacturing teams. Verify effectiveness of corrective actions and ensure long-term issue resolution.
Continuous Improvement and Quality Engineering
< >Lead site initiatives focused on process capability improvement, variation reduction, and quality performance. Utilize statistical tools and data analysis to identify opportunities for improvement. Support measurement system evaluations including Gauge R&R and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities. Partner with Engineering and Operations to improve product consistency, manufacturing capability, and process performance. Drive projects focused on reducing product giveaway, improving yield, and minimizing cost of poor quality. Promote data-driven decision making throughout the organization.
Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop Laboratory Technicians, Chemists, and Quality Engineering personnel. Establish clear goals, expectations, accountability measures, and development plans for team members. Conduct hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and succession planning activities. Develop future quality talent through technical training, mentoring, and career development planning. Foster a culture of quality, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Drive cross-functional collaboration between Quality, Operations, Engineering, Technical Services, and SHES. Maintain visibility of quality performance and communicate risks, trends, and opportunities to site leadership. Ensure quality resources are effectively prioritized to support business objectives. Must be able to pass FBI/DHS background check for ATF possessor license. Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Quality Management, or related technical discipline.- Minimum 5 years of experience in quality, laboratory, manufacturing, or technical operations in a chemical or manufacturing environment.- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience managing quality, laboratory, engineering, or technical personnel.- Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability analysis, and process verification.- Experience leading root cause investigations and corrective action programs.- Experience with Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R, and statistical analysis tools preferred.- Experience supporting manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
Other Duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills. Strong understanding of quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies. Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability analysis, and process verification techniques. Experience with Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R methodologies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Root cause investigation and corrective action experience. Data analysis and statistical interpretation skills. Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to influence manufacturing processes through data and fact-based decision making. Strong organizational and project management skills. Ability to balance daily operational support with long-term quality improvement initiative
Work Environment
Red Diamond Plant, McArthur, Ohio
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.