Kuraray America, Inc.
Technical Service and Development Laboratory Manager
Kuraray America, Inc., Washington, West Virginia, United States, 26181
Technical Service and Development Laboratory Manager
Location: Parkersburg, WV
Who we are:
Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top‑of‑the‑line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan, Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.
Why Kuraray:
Building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.
Position Summary The North America TS&D Laboratory Manager leads the day‑to‑day operations of the Technical Service & Development (TS&D) Laboratory supporting PVB and high‑value polymer sheet products for automotive and architectural glass applications. As a working supervisor in a three‑person laboratory team, this role actively performs approximately one‑third of the laboratory testing while overseeing workflow, priorities, and performance of the laboratory analysts.
The position is responsible for executing and supervising testing activities, maintaining laboratory equipment and certifications, and ensuring accurate, timely delivery of analytical results. The TS&D Laboratory Manager works closely with Sales, Technical Service, Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support product quality, resolve customer and manufacturing issues, and enable successful market application. Through hands‑on technical expertise, operational discipline, and team leadership, this role plays a key part in delivering customer value and supporting profitable business growth.
Key Responsibilities Laboratory Leadership & Planning
Establish annual laboratory objectives aligned with business goals, budget expectations, and team development needs to ensure successful execution of laboratory priorities.
Provide leadership and direction to support personnel development and sustained laboratory performance.
Laboratory Operations & Workflow Management
Assign and manage daily TS&D laboratory testing activities to ensure efficient workflows and timely completion of work.
Effectively organize, prioritize, and multitask in a high‑volume, fast‑paced laboratory environment.
Quality Systems & Data Integrity
Maintain the TS&D Laboratory's ISO 9001 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with quality system requirements.
Ensure accuracy, attention to detail, and data integrity, including the ability to identify abnormal results and draw sound conclusions from sample investigations.
Technical & Analytical Responsibilities
Serve in a dual role as Laboratory Leader and Laboratory Analyst by defining appropriate test methods, independently conducting analyses, interpreting results, and preparing meaningful analytical reports for customers.
Apply strong leadership and analytical judgment to support Technical and Research teams with new product development, customer processes, and application‑based testing.
Equipment, Methods & Mechanical Aptitude
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment; coordinate with vendors to establish service contracts and resolve equipment issues.
Lead the acquisition, installation, qualification, and validation of new equipment.
Develop, maintain, and implement operating procedures and train laboratory personnel on equipment use and best practices.
Communication & Global Collaboration
Communicate effectively with laboratory staff, internal customers, and global laboratories across different regions and cultures.
Safety, Ethics & Workplace Standards
Participate in all required safety and ethics training and demonstrate consistent compliance with safe work practices, including chemical handling.
Apply 5S principles to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
Professional Development & Global Engagement
Commit to ongoing personal skill development and continuing education.
Participate in travel opportunities to collaborate with customers and global sister laboratories as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in technical discipline, Chemistry, Polymer Science/Engineering, Material Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Minimum of 7 -10 years of relevant laboratory experience
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or lead experience.
Hands‑on experience with advanced laboratory instrumentation and analytical testing methods: adhesion testers, optical analyzers, Karl Fischer titration, gas chromatography, microscopes, FTIR spectroscopy, surface pattern and caliper measurement systems
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify abnormal results, and support investigations
Experience writing technical reports, developing SOPs, and supporting safety reviews and audit preparation.
Experience supporting laboratory equipment installation, upgrades, qualification, and maintenance.
Working knowledge of ISO‑based quality systems preferred.
Physical ability to perform laboratory work, including lifting materials that are 10-25 lbs, standing for extended periods, and using hand tools.
Strong organization, time‑management, and communication skills in a fast‑paced laboratory environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint) and laboratory instrument software.
Competencies
Customer Focus
Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
Business Insight
Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
Cultivates Innovation
Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
Action Oriented
Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Ensures Accountability
Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
Drives Results
Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance.
Collaborates
Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Values Difference
Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Communicates Effectively
Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Courage
Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Instills Trust
Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
Situational Adaptability
Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.
Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status
No third‑party candidates accepted.
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Who we are:
Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top‑of‑the‑line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan, Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.
Why Kuraray:
Building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.
Position Summary The North America TS&D Laboratory Manager leads the day‑to‑day operations of the Technical Service & Development (TS&D) Laboratory supporting PVB and high‑value polymer sheet products for automotive and architectural glass applications. As a working supervisor in a three‑person laboratory team, this role actively performs approximately one‑third of the laboratory testing while overseeing workflow, priorities, and performance of the laboratory analysts.
The position is responsible for executing and supervising testing activities, maintaining laboratory equipment and certifications, and ensuring accurate, timely delivery of analytical results. The TS&D Laboratory Manager works closely with Sales, Technical Service, Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support product quality, resolve customer and manufacturing issues, and enable successful market application. Through hands‑on technical expertise, operational discipline, and team leadership, this role plays a key part in delivering customer value and supporting profitable business growth.
Key Responsibilities Laboratory Leadership & Planning
Establish annual laboratory objectives aligned with business goals, budget expectations, and team development needs to ensure successful execution of laboratory priorities.
Provide leadership and direction to support personnel development and sustained laboratory performance.
Laboratory Operations & Workflow Management
Assign and manage daily TS&D laboratory testing activities to ensure efficient workflows and timely completion of work.
Effectively organize, prioritize, and multitask in a high‑volume, fast‑paced laboratory environment.
Quality Systems & Data Integrity
Maintain the TS&D Laboratory's ISO 9001 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with quality system requirements.
Ensure accuracy, attention to detail, and data integrity, including the ability to identify abnormal results and draw sound conclusions from sample investigations.
Technical & Analytical Responsibilities
Serve in a dual role as Laboratory Leader and Laboratory Analyst by defining appropriate test methods, independently conducting analyses, interpreting results, and preparing meaningful analytical reports for customers.
Apply strong leadership and analytical judgment to support Technical and Research teams with new product development, customer processes, and application‑based testing.
Equipment, Methods & Mechanical Aptitude
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment; coordinate with vendors to establish service contracts and resolve equipment issues.
Lead the acquisition, installation, qualification, and validation of new equipment.
Develop, maintain, and implement operating procedures and train laboratory personnel on equipment use and best practices.
Communication & Global Collaboration
Communicate effectively with laboratory staff, internal customers, and global laboratories across different regions and cultures.
Safety, Ethics & Workplace Standards
Participate in all required safety and ethics training and demonstrate consistent compliance with safe work practices, including chemical handling.
Apply 5S principles to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
Professional Development & Global Engagement
Commit to ongoing personal skill development and continuing education.
Participate in travel opportunities to collaborate with customers and global sister laboratories as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in technical discipline, Chemistry, Polymer Science/Engineering, Material Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Minimum of 7 -10 years of relevant laboratory experience
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or lead experience.
Hands‑on experience with advanced laboratory instrumentation and analytical testing methods: adhesion testers, optical analyzers, Karl Fischer titration, gas chromatography, microscopes, FTIR spectroscopy, surface pattern and caliper measurement systems
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify abnormal results, and support investigations
Experience writing technical reports, developing SOPs, and supporting safety reviews and audit preparation.
Experience supporting laboratory equipment installation, upgrades, qualification, and maintenance.
Working knowledge of ISO‑based quality systems preferred.
Physical ability to perform laboratory work, including lifting materials that are 10-25 lbs, standing for extended periods, and using hand tools.
Strong organization, time‑management, and communication skills in a fast‑paced laboratory environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint) and laboratory instrument software.
Competencies
Customer Focus
Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
Business Insight
Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
Cultivates Innovation
Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
Action Oriented
Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Ensures Accountability
Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
Drives Results
Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance.
Collaborates
Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Values Difference
Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Communicates Effectively
Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Courage
Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Instills Trust
Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
Situational Adaptability
Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.
Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status
No third‑party candidates accepted.
#J-18808-Ljbffr