Job Details

Quality & Lab Manager – PET Recycling

Location: Ocala, PA (with 25% travel to additional sites in Hatfield, PA; AZ; Dallas, TX; and future locations)

About the Company:

Our company is a leader in PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) recycling, converting post-consumer PET products into high-quality recycled PET (rPET) for global brands in food, personal care, and consumer products. As we expand our operations, we are seeking a Quality & Lab Manager to lead our quality function across multiple locations.

About the Role:

We are looking for a competent, growth oriented, and hands-on leader to oversee quality and laboratory operations at our current site and across four additional labs opening over the next two years. The Quality & Lab Manager will be responsible for ensuring compliance with industry standards, managing lab personnel, overseeing analytical testing, and supporting the company's continued expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead quality and lab operations at the Hatfield, PA site, which is doubling in capacity, and establish quality processes at four additional sites.
• Manage chromatography and analytical testing (e.g., PerkinElmer Head Space GC, Agilent GC) for PPM/PPB-level detection of acetaldehyde, benzene, and other compounds.
• Hire, train, and oversee a team of technicians across multiple lab locations.
• Oversee PET polymer testing, including molecular weight analysis, intrinsic viscosity measurements, and LMI through MFR.
• Ensure proper function and maintenance of lab equipment, including GC, GC FID, and other analytical tools.
• Implement trending and statistical tracking for GC data, including CPK and PPK analysis.
• Support compliance efforts for FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, and 14000, and facilitate audits (HACCP, FDA, customer, internal) as needed.
• Work with OEMs to ensure timely calibration and service of lab instruments.
• Travel (25%) to oversee quality lab setup and operations at additional sites.

Qualifications:

• Education: BS/MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years in quality management within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical background, with expertise in polymer science and chromatography.
• Hands-on experience with PerkinElmer and Agilent GC systems.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality standards (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001/14000, HACCP, CTMP).
• Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with a focus on building and mentoring high-performing teams.

Ideal Candidate:

• A technically skilled, hands-on leader with deep knowledge of PET recycling, polymer science, and analytical testing.
• A strong communicator who leads with empathy and organization rather than authority.
• Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, lean environment and can adapt to rapid expansion.
• A strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Work Location: In person