Senior Lab Manager

Job Type

Full-time

Description

SUMMARY:

The Senior Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing all laboratory testing operations, staff, and research & development activities related to lubricants, fuels, greases, and other petroleum products. This position balances strong technical expertise with managerial and strategic responsibilities, including coordinating routine and non-routine quantitative and qualitative analyses, establishing testing methodologies and quality standards, and ensuring compliance with applicable specifications and safety protocols.

The Senior Laboratory Manager leads and develops laboratory personnel, ensures accurate interpretation and reporting of results for technical support and quality assurance, maintains laboratory equipment and processes, and partners with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement while maintaining a safe, efficient, and high-performing laboratory environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The Company reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time. All work is to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with Company standards. Other duties may be assigned.

Laboratory Operations & Supervision:
Lead and manage daily laboratory operations supporting testing, analysis, and reporting for lubricants, fuels, greases, coolants, and environmental samples. Provide full supervision of laboratory personnel across Quality Control, Engine Guard, and Refinery/Environmental analysis functions, including staffing coordination, scheduling, and workload prioritization.

Personnel Management:
Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory staff, oversee performance management, address employee concerns, and ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet operational demands.

Quality Control & Compliance:
Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, safety policies, and regulatory standards including ISO 17025, API, ACEA, environmental regulations, and internal quality manuals. Maintain documentation systems and audit readiness while enforcing laboratory safety and compliance programs.

Technical Leadership & Troubleshooting:
Serve as the primary technical resource for instrument performance, lubrication issues, failed equipment diagnostics, and complex customer application challenges. Direct corrective actions, allocate resources as needed, and oversee troubleshooting processes to restore testing operations to full capability.

Equipment & Maintenance:
Oversee procurement, routine maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory instrumentation to ensure regulatory compliance and testing reliability. Perform hands-on instrument maintenance and validations as required.

Special Testing & R&D Support:
Conduct and oversee specialized customer testing related to lubrication and performance concerns. Prepare necessary chemicals for custom testing protocols and collaborate with R&D teams on formulation development, optimization, and validation trials for new or existing engine oil and lubricant products.

Client & Cross-Functional Support:
Provide technical support to customers and internal partners, including Sales, Production, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams. Interpret laboratory results, assist in problem resolution, and deliver clear technical explanations aligned with business objectives.

Reporting & Data Management:
Review, compile, and distribute monthly performance summaries and technical reports, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness for leadership, quality assurance, and customer support use.

Resource & Budget Management:
Manage laboratory resources including consumables, external testing services, capital equipment planning, and operating budgets to ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining laboratory quality and responsiveness.

Strategic Planning & Market Insight:
Conduct competitive benchmarking and market analysis to evaluate product performance trends, identify improvement opportunities, and support strategic decision-making related to product development and service offerings to grow the buisness.

Safety Leadership:
Promote a strong safety culture by leading EHS initiatives, reporting near misses, conducting safety training, and enforcing compliance across all laboratory activities to ensure a safe working environment.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions.

Leadership - Provides clear direction and support to teams; leads by example through coaching, accountability, and collaborative communication to achieve safety, quality, and operational goals.

Analytical - Collects and interprets data to identify trends, assess performance, and support informed decisions; applies quantitative and qualitative analysis to drive continuous improvement.

Project Management - Plans and coordinates…