ARC Lab Manager

Role: Applied Research Center Laboratory Manager

Location: Newark, DE

The LYCRA Company is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in Europe, USA, Mexico, Brazil, China and Singapore.

Our Apparel business works with leading consumer brands, retailers and fabric mills all over the world to leverage our innovative ingredient brand fibers including LYCRA® fiber, COOLMAX® fabric, THERMOLITE® fabric, SUPPLEX® fabric and TACTEL® fiber. The LYCRA Company is a leading supplier in the global apparel markets including ready-to-wear, intimate apparel, swimwear, activewear, outdoor and career apparel.

We have built a leading position in the Apparel industry over the years via a continuous stream of value-adding fiber, fabric, or garment innovations enabled and supported by a network of strategic partners across the entire value chain. This contributed to making the LYCRA® brand a unique asset that still powers today one of the most iconic and valuable corporate franchises in the Apparel industry. It is all reflected in our corporate vision: “enhancing life through innovative garment solutions.

Role:

We are seeking a Laboratory Manager – Applied Research Center who will have responsibility for leadership of the Applied Research Center that supports the execution of end-use application research and developments and supporting the execution of our vision within our R&D group, including the creation abd development of programs that will focus on profitable growth. S/he will be a leader with a self-starter mindset and an advocate for New Product Innovations as a key strategy for the success of the business. Based on experience of the candidate, the role may have additional responsibilities.

Reporting to the Vice President, Global R&D and End Use Research, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Job Summary:

• Leadership of Site Management Team, Trade Services Group, Textile Operations and Research Activities
• Apply the innovation capabilities of the site in support of R&D, trade and commercial needs
• Assure continual operation of the site in an effective and efficient manner
• Ownership of site budget, compliance and right to operate
• Work as the site leader and a member of the extended global R&D team to support both the apparel and personal care businesses by managing necessary resources, workstreams, technicians and operators at the Applied Research Center.
• Work to lead the end use research team members for both product and process R&D to execute critical workflow steps that accelerate the successful development and scale up of innovations at the Applied Research Center through resourcing of capabilities, technicians and operators.
• This includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
  • Establishing work flow calendars to ensure execution of initiatives and resources.
  • Ability to provide leadership and guidance to technicians and operators to ensure execution of technical workflow in a laboratory environment.
  • Effectively collaborate, support and communicate with Benger Laboratories, ATIC and Conti Labs on new development workstreams where applicable.
  • Proactively plan and execute for succession training and new-talent hiring to fill roles vacated due to retirement and attrition.
  • Work with team members to develop their full potential and value contribution.
  • Assure availability of capabilities as needed to support the business. Identify laboratory equipment in need of acquisition, upgrade or replacement. Manage capabilities as needed to address emerging trends and technologies.
  • Ensure proper documentation of processes, procedures and equipment to maintain laboratory capabilities and knowledge base to support the business.
  • Maintain a culture of safety, integrity, collaboration and compliance excellence within the site.
  • Collaborate with EHS and product stewardship on to ensure compliant processes for new auxillaries, chemicals or product development needs.
  • Contribute to a R&D environment that encourages creativity, innovation and accountability for actions within a collaborative global R&D network.
  • Ensure optimization of resources and execution of budgetary goals.
  • Work with a bias for action and ensure alignment on prioritization of initiatives to support key business growth bets.
  • Conduct all affairs lawfully and with integrity under the guidelines of The LYCRA Company compliance, legal and EHS policies.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years with laboratory management or apparel product development supervisory experience
• Preferred - Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering or Chemistry, Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering or similar degree.
• Proven results developing and commercializing new fiber, fabric or apparel technologies.
• Well versed in apparel development and processing fundamentals, as well as testing.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, including mentoring team members.
• Demonstrated experience as an entrepreneur, setting priorities and balancing both long and short-term needs.
• Proven ability to proactively overcome obstacles while demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to work in a global, multi-functional team environment, developing a strong network of relationships inside and outside the company.
• Well versed in KPI’s and audit processes to assess the value and progress of R&D initiatives as well as the return on R&D investment.
• Ability to travel <25% to work with regional commercial and technology teams and customers may be applicable
• Demonstrated leadership and execution of good EHS / Compliance performance
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with polymers, fibers, textiles and/or other related industries.
• Expertise in textile development with both natural and synthetic fibers.
• Well versed in trends in the science and technology landscape.
• Project management

Compensation/Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, and unmatched marketing support. The LYCRA Company owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL®. The LYCRA Company’s legacy stretches back to 1958 with the invention of the original spandex yarn, LYCRA® fiber. Today, The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit www.thelycracompany.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.