Supervisor, ColorWorks Lab

Job Summary

The Lab Supervisor is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the ColorWorks Lab. Works with Global ColorWorks team members. Understanding and experience in running and formulating for  EBM, ISBM, injection molder. Strong knowledge in formulating for multiple polymers, pearls, pigments/dyes. Knowledge in liquid color formulation. The individual will directly supervise all Colorists/Color Lab Technicians in support of the business and Avient and demonstrate interaction with and effectively influencing at the managerial peer level. The position also has responsibility for prioritizing the work assignments for the Color Lab to effectively support KAM group, sales and technical operations, as well as solving complex problems with minimal assistance required. This individual will be very customer facing. Will assist in hosting customer onsite color trial visits, attending customer and internal calls for technical/color support frequently. Strong interaction with suppliers.

Essential Functions

• Supervise color lab employees
• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and provide regular performance feedback to color lab employees on both a formal and informal basis
• Identify and prioritize personnel development needs
• Conduct disciplinary discussions; review staff assignments
• Develop and communicate work schedules, and assign staff as needed
• Assume ownership of the color match process from receipt of request through match completion
• Step in and support color matching in the lab when needed
• Research and provide all starting points for projects in both masterbatch and liquid color systems
• Insure all resins and raw materials are available for color match team
• Host in house color match trials with customers.
• Interact with suppliers for inspirational, new materials. 
• Create work requests for submission on specified color matches
• Ensure all paperwork and standards are available to color matchers
• Manage the data integrity of product standards at the lab and plan level.
• Ensure coordination of standards and absolute readings are communicated to all necessary parties ensure no loss of business or production delays.
• Manage the support activity within the color lab and ensure activities are supported.
• Provide timely and accurate implementation and administration of CMRs. Bill of Materials (BOMs), product selection,  and rematches.
• Provide data to support sales and business projects and reviews.
• Create, implement and update materials (pigments and compounds) and recipes.
• Partner with stewardship and technical on product compliance for 3rd party certifications with our colorant palette.
• Liaison between plants, customers, color lab, sales team, and the customer service representatives.
• Work with Global ColorWorks team on projects.
• Verify and send product transfers locally and globally. 
• Participate or lead special assignments in safety, environmental, and process as needed.
• Attend and participate in training opportunities and seminars relevant to this position.
• Minimal travel may be required to support plant and customer needs.
• Develop and maintain a safe working environment and good housekeeping conditions.
• Maintain records in various computer systems (i.e., SAP, enterprise eTime, Ariba, DMP, CRM and master files).
• Back up to Lab Admin (entering projects, labeling, shipping projects)

Physical/Environ. Demands

Physical Demands: The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects tools or controls; talk and/or hear. Occasionally required to sit. The individual must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus and the ability to differentiate color pass a color test.

Work Environment: The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Requires the use of safety equipment as dictated by the work area such as safety glasses and shoes, dust mask, hard hat, respirator, face shield, hearing protection, chemical suit, gloves, aprons, etc. Work is inside and the typical noise level is loud. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.