R&D Operations Manager

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, Timber Tech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and Stru Xure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

We are seeking an R&D Operations Manager to manage and maintain standards of excellence for the primary R&D lab for AZEK Building Products located in Wilmington, OH.

The R&D Operations Manager utilizes good lab practices (GLP) and AZEK standards to maintain the AZEK R&D lab both safely and efficiently throughout the day-to-day operations. This management includes the development and procedures associated with safe operation of equipment, personnel, and standards to maintain an organized and efficient laboratory environment. This position has full leadership responsibility for a team of lab technicians driving a high-performing, collaborative culture centered on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

The R&D Operations Manager leads lab projects to ensure the completion of lab test requests in coordination with on-site lab personnel, other AZEK labs and 3rdparty testing labs.

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to a team of R&D lab technicians to ensure alignment with AZEK’s standards, safety policies, and operational goals
• Responsible for all aspects of the R&D lab; lab personnel, equipment, supplies, software & documentation
• Maintains a high level of organization and awareness throughout the lab, data access and updates on high priority projects should be readily available
• Trains lab technicians in the correct use of lab equipment, ensuring proper procedures are followed
• Mentors & disciplines lab personnel with accordance to company standards and expectations; planning, monitoring, and regular appraisals of lab personnel
• Follows and enforces industry standards and safety regulations as it relates to testing, sample preparation and disposal
• Schedules and optimizes lab or equipment use time for both lab personnel and other AZEK employees
• Work collaboratively with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, and business partners to establish and plan for future capabilities
• Manages the upkeep of the laboratory, lab supplies and equipment, including maintenance and calibration of instrumentation & equipment along with required PPE for all lab personnel
• Ensures the accuracy, security and accessibility of all data collected in the R&D laboratory
• Optimizes and improves laboratory workflow to improve efficiency and accuracy of work, considering the lab personnel
• Utilizes data-driven analytics to provide reports centered around the lab efficiency, resource demands and bottlenecks
• Implements new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation, equipment, and procedures; including all training and documentation associated with safe operation
• Coordinates with 3rdparty testing organizations and other AZEK testing labs to conduct required testing and seamless
• Coordinate with operations, quality assurance, product compliance and vendors as needed to ensure compliance with standards
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or an equivalent science-based degree required
• 5+ years of experience in operations and leading a large team, expanding capabilities and coordinating support for R&D team
• Proven problem-solving skills and experience in a laboratory setting.
• Strong management and interpersonal skills with proven ability to communicate well with various audiences and situations
• General knowledge of polymer and composite properties along with standard test methods and analysis
• Experience with mechanical testing as it associates with building…