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; it's powered by the passion, creativity, and diverse expertise of 9,000 professionals worldwide. Whether you're a finance wizard, a tech enthusiast, an operational powerhouse, an HR changemaker, or a trailblazer in materials development, you'll 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 Avient's 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 Avient's 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 lab's 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
* Bachelor's 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 Avient's 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 world. In 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 person's 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 veteran's 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, ApplicationAccommodation@Avient.com.
Avient Corporation
Aug 11, 2025