Lab Manager

BENEFITS:  Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K

AHF Products has a job opportunity for a Lab Manager to be located in Crossville, TN.  Reporting to the VP of Operations.  This position is responsible for all laboratory activities, production, and personnel of the Lab/Paste Prep Department.  

JOB DUTIES:

Maintain accurate and current manufacturing specifications for the plant:  Monitor closely applications on production runs by reviewing run sheets or data collected during the run.  Compare spec sheets and note any discrepancies or potential problems.  Determine when specifications need to be updated based on changes in equipment, materials, or techniques through proper channels.  Maintain a constant dialogue with the production supervisors, R&D, and plant manager with any issues or potential changes.  Accurately schedule and maintain availability of approved decoration materials for the Deco/Glaze lines.  Review current production schedule for items and quantities scheduled and compare quantities needed for the run versus the WIP materials through an up-to-date and accurate database of materials.  Schedule the amount of each material to be produced and meet with operators to prioritize the actual batching of materials.  Review tests of materials against standards and determine if they can be approved or if they are in need of correction.  Ensure material is available for production prior to the scheduled run time.  Maintain competent support staff.  Ensure the staff is properly trained/continuously updated with new materials testing techniques, etc., ensuring the standardization of testing techniques between different shifts.  Retrain staff as necessary.  Enable technicians with the ability to make informed and solid decisions, especially in his/her absence.  Ensure they have the ability to batch correct glaze materials and body formulas competently and quickly through a standardized process.  Maintain reproducible formulas for Paste, Glaze, and Color Room.  Constantly monitor formulas made.  Maintain organized records and recording important information.  Analyze and identify trends, either in formulas or line setup and make necessary corrections.  Adjust or rework formulas in the lab to improve consistency.  Continuously analyze production data.  Constant monitoring of all formulas for either body colors or decorating materials and adjusting if necessary.  Maintain accurate records of every formula batched in the plant so that a history is available for review.  Determine, through regular analysis, which formulas are in need of lab testing based on frequency of problems and trends.  Test in lab to determine the reason the problem exists and make necessary changes based on the analysis of the data.  Daily test or tracking of production processes, from raw materials to sorting.  SQC charting  Daily tests, i.e., tank, line tests buller rings, etc.  Set daily/weekly/monthly objectives and communicate them to employees.  Organize workflow by assigning responsibilities and preparing schedules.  Oversee and coach, train, and evaluate employees.  Ensure safe use of equipment and follow all Preventative Maintenance schedules.  Check production output according to department targets.  Submit daily and weekly reports.  Order needed equipment and supplies.  Communicate effectively with other departments and employees.  Ensure that employees are properly trained and abiding by safety guidelines.  Maintain accurate records.  Participate in the hiring process, recognizing and recruiting good candidates, and ensuring that employees are properly trained.  Acts as a resource for employees and listening and addressing their concerns and needs.  Communicate, adhere to, and enforce company policies and procedures.  Maintain housekeeping standards to ensure a clean and safe workplace. Perform any other duties that may be required or assigned.  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering or equivalent work experience in ceramic manufacturing, particularly tile.  Previous experience in a supervisory capacity  2+ years’ manufacturing plant experience  Ability to create and follow schedules  Organizational skills and willingness to assume accountability for plant practices required  Ability to provide manufacturing information by compiling, initiating, sorting, and analyzing production performance records and data; answering questions and responding to requests  Competency in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel)  Strong problem-solving skills  Positive attitude and strong work ethic  Strong verbal and written communication skills  Good interpersonal skills in dealing with employees, management, and vendors  Ability to use company-specific computer applications  Ability to work in a team environment  Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test, physical, and criminal background check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Frequent climbing, bending, standing, walking at a brisk pace 8+ hours a day, squatting, reaching, pushing and pulling  Occasional lifting 80 pounds, either alone or with the assistance of another employee, in conformity with lifting techniques detailed in safety policies and training materials  Dexterity with hands for use of tools  Vision must be sufficient to see tools and equipment clearly  Hearing with the use of ear protection 

MENTAL DEMANDS

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Think analytically Make decisions Develop options and implement solutions Work with a team Maintain regular and punctual attendance (consistent with ADA and/or FMLA) Attention to detail Communicate effectively Multitask in a fast-paced environment Work with a Sense of Urgency

AHF PRODUCTS:

AHF Products provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

AHF Products is a leading hard surface flooring manufacturer in the USA with a family of trusted brands serving the residential and commercial hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring markets. With decades of experience in award-winning flooring design, product development, manufacturing, and service, we create quality flooring to last for generations through inspiring designs, innovation, and a deep commitment to outstanding customer service. Our residential flooring brands include Bruce®, Armstrong Flooring™, Hartco®, Robbins®, LM Flooring ®, Capella®, HomerWood®, Hearthwood®, Raintree®, Autograph®, Emily Morrow Home®, tmbr®, Crossville®, and Crossville Studios®. Our commercial brands include Bruce Contract™, Hartco Contract™, AHF Contract®, Armstrong Flooring, Parterre®, Crossville® and Crossville Studios®. Headquartered in Mountville, Pennsylvania, with manufacturing operations across the United States and in Cambodia, AHF Products employs over 3,000 dedicated team members.