Chemistry Laboratory Manager

UL Solutions is hiring a Laboratory Manager to lead our Chemistry department at our Retail & Consumer Products Center of Excellence in Lowell, AR.

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of a chemistry laboratory performing analytical testing (e.g., GC‑MS, LC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS, HPLC, wet chemistry, PFAS, BPA, metals, or related methods).
• Oversee the establishment of appropriate testing programs and the coordination of laboratory activities within the designated laboratories
• Identifies and pursues the development of requirements for test procedures beyond the scope of existing standards and requirements involving unique features and requiring the use of independent judgment
• Review and approve technical data, reports, and deviations as required; ensure timely and accurate report delivery.
• Manages the development and maintenance of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
• Oversee method implementation, verification, validation, and ongoing performance trending.
• Establishes and maintains the test proficiency training program and competencies for laboratory personnel
• Ensure all testing activities are conducted in compliance with validated methods, SOPs, and applicable regulatory or accreditation requirements (e.g., ISO 17025, GLP, client requirements).
• Manages the performance of direct reports by defining accountabilities, establishing performance objectives, providing feedback and guidance, and ensuring that all policies are understood and adhered to
• Maintain laboratory compliance with internal quality systems, accreditation standards, and audit requirements.
• Serve as a primary laboratory contact during internal, customer, and accreditation audits.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are identified, documented, and effectively implemented.
• Own document control for chemistry SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, and training records.
• Promote a strong quality culture emphasizing data integrity, traceability, and scientific rigor.
• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory supervisors, chemists, and technicians.
• Set performance expectations, conduct reviews, and support career development and succession planning.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, training coverage, and cross‑training to meet operational demands.
• Promote engagement, accountability, and collaboration across laboratory teams.
• Drive key performance indicators (KPIs) such as turnaround time, throughput, quality, rework, and utilization.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, capacity, and consistency.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (Quality, EHS, IT, Engineering, Commercial) to support new method onboarding, customer requirements, and operational scalability.
• Support capital equipment planning, justification, and onboarding for analytical instrumentation.
• Integrates continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job utilizing the Lean Sigma approach
• Foster a proactive safety culture aligned with EHS and OSHA expectations for chemical handling, waste management, and laboratory operations.
• Ensure compliance with chemical hygiene plans, hazard communication, PPE requirements, and waste disposal regulations.
• Partner with EHS to review incidents, near‑misses, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and corrective actions.
• Ensure staff are trained and competent in safe laboratory practices and emergency procedures.
• Read and follow the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and follow all physical and digital security practices
• Performs other duties as directed

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory, including people leadership.
• Strong working knowledge of analytical techniques and chemistry laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory quality systems (e.g., ISO 17025, GLP, GMP, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemistry or related field.
• Experience supporting environmental, food, consumer products, or regulatory compliance testing.
• Experience leading laboratories through accreditation audits and corrective action cycles.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems, data integrity requirements, and electronic documentation systems.
• Experience supporting capital investment decisions for analytical instrumentation.