Senior Lab Manager

Our purpose at Avient Corporation is to be an innovator of materials solutions that help our customers succeed while enabling a sustainable world. Innovation goes far beyond materials science; its powered by the passion creativity and diverse expertise of 9000 professionals worldwide. Whether youre a finance wizard a tech enthusiast an operational powerhouse an HR changemaker or a trailblazer in materials development youll find your place at Avient. Join our global team and help shape the future with sustainable solutions that transform possibilities into realities. Your unique perspective could be the key to our next breakthrough!

Job Summary
Avient Corporation is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Lab Manager to lead and evolve the strategic direction of our Analytical Laboratory This role is pivotal in driving innovation operational excellence and technical leadership across Avients global network.. The ideal candidate will foster a culture of technical excellence operational efficiency continuous improvement and safety while ensuring that analytical services meet the evolving needs of our customers and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:
Technical Support & Innovation
Define and execute the long-term strategy for analytical services.
Serve as a technical thought leader influencing cross-functional R&D initiatives.
Drive adoption of emerging technologies and analytical methodologies.
Operational Excellence
Lead the planning and execution of lab operations to ensure timely accurate and high-impact analytical support.
Oversee the digital transformation of lab workflows through advanced use of Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Align lab capabilities with business priorities through close collaboration with R&D manufacturing and commercial teams.
Equipment & Facility Management
Direct capital planning and investment strategies for analytical instrumentation and lab infrastructure.
Evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies to expand analytical capabilities and improve efficiency.
Safety & Compliance
Champion a strong safety culture in accordance with Avients EHS standards.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (e.g. OSHA EPA) and internal quality systems.
Conduct regular safety audits and lead corrective actions as needed.
Inventory & Budget Oversight
Manage lab inventory and procurement processes to ensure availability of critical supplies.
Develop and manage the labs operating budget and capital equipment identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
Quality & Documentation
Implement and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
Develop and enforce SOPs ensuring thorough documentation of all lab activities and results.
Leadership & Team Development
Build and lead a high-performing team of scientists and technicians fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Drive talent development initiatives succession planning and performance management.
Represent the lab function in company-wide forums and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Chemistry Materials Science Chemical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in an analytical or materials science laboratory including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Skills & Competencies
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex technical projects.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across global teams and customer interfaces.
Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and analytical instrumentation.
Deep understanding of polymer materials additives and analytical techniques is highly desirable

We believe that all of our global employees are leaders and that the six most important behaviors for driving our strategy and culture are the same no matter if an employee is a leader of self a leader of others or a leader of the business. By playing to win acting customer centric driving innovation and profitable growth collaborating seamlessly across Avient and motivating and inspiring and developing others and yourself you will accelerate your ability to achieve Avients strategic goals to meet our customer needs and to accomplish your career goals.

At Avient we believe a wide variety of thoughts ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing support of this we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring promotion development compensation or advancement are based solely on a persons qualifications abilities experience and performance. Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race sex sexual orientation gender identity age color religion national origin disability genetic information protected veterans status or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal state and local law. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to complete an online application please contact the Avient HR Team by emailing