Lab Manager

Lab Manager

BENEFITS:
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K

AHF Products has a job opportunity for a Lab Manager to be located in Crossville, TN. Reporting to the VP of Operations. This position is responsible for all laboratory activities, production, and personnel of the Lab/Paste Prep Department.

JOB DUTIES:

• Maintain accurate and current manufacturing specifications for the plant:
• Monitor closely applications on production runs by reviewing run sheets or data collected during the run. Compare spec sheets and note any discrepancies or potential problems.
• Determine when specifications need to be updated based on changes in equipment, materials, or techniques through proper channels. Maintain a constant dialogue with the production supervisors, R&D, and plant manager with any issues or potential changes.
• Accurately schedule and maintain availability of approved decoration materials for the Deco/Glaze lines.
• Review current production schedule for items and quantities scheduled and compare quantities needed for the run versus the WIP materials through an up-to-date and accurate database of materials.
• Schedule the amount of each material to be produced and meet with operators to prioritize the actual batching of materials. Review tests of materials against standards and determine if they can be approved or if they are in need of correction. Ensure material is available for production prior to the scheduled run time.
• Maintain competent support staff.
• Ensure the staff is properly trained/continuously updated with new materials testing techniques, etc., ensuring the standardization of testing techniques between different shifts. Retrain staff as necessary.
• Enable technicians with the ability to make informed and solid decisions, especially in his/her absence.
• Ensure they have the ability to batch correct glaze materials and body formulas competently and quickly through a standardized process.
• Maintain reproducible formulas for Paste, Glaze, and Color Room.
• Constantly monitor formulas made.
• Maintain organized records and recording important information.
• Analyze and identify trends, either in formulas or line setup and make necessary corrections.
• Adjust or rework formulas in the lab to improve consistency.
• Continuously analyze production data.
• Constant monitoring of all formulas for either body colors or decorating materials and adjusting if necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of every formula batched in the plant so that a history is available for review.
• Determine, through regular analysis, which formulas are in need of lab testing based on frequency of problems and trends. Test in lab to determine the reason the problem exists and make necessary changes based on the analysis of the data.
• Daily test or tracking of production processes, from raw materials to sorting.
• SQC charting
• Daily tests, i.e., tank, line tests buller rings, etc.
• Set daily/weekly/monthly objectives and communicate them to employees.
• Organize workflow by assigning responsibilities and preparing schedules.
• Oversee and coach, train, and evaluate employees.
• Ensure safe use of equipment and follow all Preventative Maintenance schedules.
• Check production output according to department targets.
• Submit daily and weekly reports.
• Order needed equipment and supplies.
• Communicate effectively with other departments and employees.
• Ensure that employees are properly trained and abiding by safety guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Participate in the hiring process, recognizing and recruiting good candidates, and ensuring that employees are properly trained.
• Acts as a resource for employees and listening and addressing their concerns and needs.
• Communicate, adhere to, and enforce company policies and procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping standards to ensure a clean and safe workplace.
• Perform any other duties that may be required or assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering or equivalent work experience in ceramic manufacturing, particularly tile.
• Previous experience in a supervisory capacity
• 2+ years’ manufacturing plant experience
• Ability to create and follow schedules
• Organizational skills and willingness to assume accountability for plant practices…