Lab Manager

About PFX™

We engineer leading fluid solutions that keep the world moving and we're building a better future while we do it. As a vertically integrated global powerhouse, we operate 17 manufacturing facilities and 4 R&D centers across the world, delivering performance from lab to road in over 40 countries.

PFX Group™ brings together a family of trusted companies including Recochem, Prestone, Adam's Polishes, B&B Blending, Kost USA, Star brite, Ultra Clear, POR and Auto-Chem, each with deep expertise, regional insight, and a shared commitment to engineering excellence.

From automotive and heavy-duty thermal management systems to household and industrial solutions, our products are built for performance, reliability, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us and be part of a team that's redefining what's possible in fluid technology.

Summary

The Laboratory Manager role is within our KOST USA division and will be responsible for the leadership, management, and continuous improvement of laboratory operations supporting Technical Services, Condition Monitoring (CM), Quality, Operations, and RD&E. The role is accountable for laboratory operational excellence, analytical quality, equipment reliability, quality system compliance and ensuring laboratory services effectively support the Condition Monitoring program.

Laboratory Operations Management

• Lead and manage daily operations of the analytical laboratory.
• Ensure laboratory testing activities are performed safely, accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures.
• Manage laboratory workload, resource allocation, testing priorities, and KPI performance.
• Oversee sample receipt, testing, reporting, storage, retention, and disposal activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, turnaround time, and customer satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Administrators.
• Drive adoption, effective utilization, training, and competency development associated with QBench LIMS.
• Promote a data-driven culture leveraging analytics, automation, AI, and digital tools.
• Support succession planning, workforce development, and knowledge transfer.

Condition Monitoring Program Support

• Ensure laboratory resources effectively support the Condition Monitoring (CM) program.
• Coordinate with the CM team to ensure timely testing and reporting of customer samples.
• Support analytical requirements for Data Center Thermal Fluids (DCTF), ICE, and Industrial Fluid Applications (IFA).
• Support failure investigations, fluid performance assessments, and root cause analyses.

Laboratory Equipment Reliability & Asset Management

• Maintain vendor maintenance agreements, troubleshooting support contracts, calibration agreements, and equipment service contracts.
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure rapid technical support and maximum equipment availability.
• Maintain critical spare-parts inventories and consumables to minimize equipment downtime.
• Coordinate equipment troubleshooting, repairs, preventive maintenance, and root cause investigations.
• Manage capital equipment acquisition, upgrades, qualification, and replacement planning.

Analytical Testing & Technical Excellence

• Provide technical leadership for ICP, MP-AES, IC, HPLC, GC, FTIR, physical property testing, and related analytical methods.
• Develop, validate, implement, and improve analytical methods and testing procedures.
• Review analytical data and investigate anomalies.
• Support product stewardship, quality, operations, RD&E, and customer-facing technical services.

Quality Systems, Procedures & Documentation

• Develop, review, approve, implement, and maintain laboratory SOPs, work instructions, test methods, and forms.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and company quality requirements.
• Ensure document control, training records, and method documentation remain current and effective.

QBench LIMS Leadership & Data Governance

• Support implementation, adoption, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of QBench LIMS.
• Ensure all laboratory personnel effectively utilize QBench and associated digital systems.
• Establish data governance standards ensuring data integrity, traceability, accessibility, and security.
• Develop KPIs related to workflow efficiency, turnaround time, reporting quality, and system utilization.
• Utilize QBench as the foundation for sample tracking, reporting, analytics, and future AI/ML initiatives.

Industry Standards, Proficiency Testing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead participation in ASTM and relevant industry programs.
• Coordinate proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparison programs, and ASTM cross-check activities.
• Lead internal and external Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) studies.
• Implement corrective actions resulting from audits, proficiency testing, and quality investigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in an analytical, industrial, or technical services laboratory environment.
• Minimum 3-5 years of laboratory leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience with ICP, MP-AES, IC, HPLC, GC, FTIR, physical property testing, and related instrumentation.
• Experience implementing or optimizing QBench or other LIMS platforms.
• Experience in ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 environments.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities - we prioritize internal promotions
• Generous 401k match
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, vision and dental coverage and Telemedicine
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance program - support for continued education and professional development

Please note: A pre-employment background check, including a criminal record check and drug testing, is required.

PFX is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES AND APPLICANTS REGARDING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Our Commitment to Fairness and Transparency
The PFX Group may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Automated Decision Systems (ADS) to assist in certain employment-related processes, such as recruitment and hiring. These tools are intended to support decision-making, not replace human judgment.