Analytical Lab Manager

Canada - Loyalist
Umicore Battery Materials
Laboratory

Posted on 08-04-2024

About Umicore

Reducing harmful vehicle emissions. Powering the cars of the future. Giving new life to used metals. We are the leading circular materials technology company fulfilling its mission to create materials for a better life. With ambitions like this, imagine what you could do?

About Umicore Battery Materials in Canada

Umicore is preparing to build a battery materials production plant in Loyalist Township, Ontario - the first of its kind in North America. The cutting-edge facility will be a critical part of Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. Throughout the design, construction, and operation of the plant, Umicore will be seeking a variety of professionals who share our passion for innovation and sustainability.

What you will be doing

For this new site, we are looking for an Analytical Laboratory Manager, reporting to the Managing Director RBM Canada.

In this role you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the analytical laboratory of the RBM Canada site in Loyalist; including resource allocation, staff management, and ensuring compliance with quality standards and protocols. You are responsible for the analysis of all production samples, ranging from raw materials, process materials to finished products, with a strong focus on schedule, quality, cost efficiency and safety. You focus on optimizing workflow efficiency, maintaining and calibrating equipment, and interpreting analytical data to support informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

Start-up of the analytical lab:

• • Selecting the required personnel and ensuring a thorough on-boarding and training
  • Timely ordering of the required equipment and making equipment operational in time
  • Ensuring the integration of the global RBM LIMS database (implementation of LIMS)
  • Preparation of necessary local quality documentation: translation into local language, storage in Quality Documentation Management System (QDMS)

Analytical operations:

• • Execution of in time analysis for raw materials, process materials, finished goods, test- and development samples. Responsible for the validity of analytical results.
  • Set analysis priorities when needed and communicate to relevant departments
  • Analyse analytical costs and equipment reliability and proposes projects for improvement, when needed

Analytical quality monitoring and improvement:

• • Planning, scheduling and execution of analysis quality & reliability monitoring by statistical tools (SPC, LOD/LOQ, MSA, 6 sigma). Initiates improvement projects for analysis quality & reliability, when needed
  • Assess lab environment and facilities to satisfy the requirements acc. IATF 16949
  • Work closely with ACC to develop and verify new analytical techniques for newly developed products or changed process materials
  • Manages lab KPI’s and reports monthly to RBM domain manager ACC and site mgt

Safety, training, supervising and communication:

• • Planning, scheduling and execution of EHS related programs in the analytical laboratory to prevent safety incidents and pollution. (EHS patrol, dust monitoring, 5S...)
  • Ensure adequate training of lab members on the physicochemical analysis
  • Supervise and deploy the lab members and promote team atmosphere
  • Communicate with other departments to make a cooperative relationship

Budget & expense management:

• • Defines & verifies the yearly laboratory budget (OPEX/CAPEX) and follow up the timely execution of investments
  • Manage spare parts and consumable stock

Standardization:

• • Standardize all analytical processes, following the quality management system in compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 17025.
  • Register and revise of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure) for all analytical process for standardization

Who we are looking for

• • 5+ years of working experience in laboratory management and analytical characterization techniques
  • Scientific Bachelor or Master Degree (e.g. chemistry)
  • Knowledge and understanding of chemistry and chemical analysis
  • Background knowledge of the various equipment used (ICP, PSD, KF, Titrator, BET, TD, SEM, XRF, C/S, XRD)
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills, able to conduct root cause analysis
  • Knowledge of method development methodologies and validation of analysis
  • Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO/IEC 17025.
  • Knowledge of core tools and processes like MSA, FMEA, SPC, APQP and PPAP.
  • Knowledge of analysis/testing related standards (ASTM, EN, DIN, ISO…)
  • Knowledge of more advanced digital tools, such as PowerBi is a plus
  • Analytical thinking, critical mindset and problem-solving ability
  • Enthusiastic team player with an open "can do" mentality
  • Good communication skills & good team leading
  • Committed to results and coaching/mentoring team members and colleagues
  • Proven ability to coordinate teams and projects

What we offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?

Find out more information about our planned facility in Canada on rbm.umicore.com/en/Canada.

IF OUR BATTERY MATERIALS CAN BOOST THE RANGE OF E-CARS, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?

Umicore invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We provide support in our recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you are contacted to participate in our recruitment process and require accommodation, please let us know.