Job Description

LABORATORY MANAGER

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Acme Brick Company (a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company) is an organization of professionals in the building materials manufacturing and distribution industry.  We manufacture and distribute clay brick and concrete block, and sell and distribute associated products manufactured by others.  We operate in 13 states with a philosophy that we are much more than a brick manufacturer and distributor.

Summary

We are seeking a “best in class” Laboratory Manager that plans, directs, and coordinates Research and Development functions and the overall operation of the Corporate Laboratory. This includes full time supervision of all laboratory technicians, and working closely with the Exploration department. This person has the ability to work with all levels of the organization. This person will be able to handle many projects at one time and constantly changing priorities. This person will be an independent, strong and reliable support to company operations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned) - This is a safety sensitive position.

·         Oversees the day-to-day operation of all laboratory functions, which the majority of involve raw material and ASTM testing.

·         Determines and executes Research and Development involving such things as brick body mix changes/improvement, new additive testing for cost savings and/or quality, and other various “outside the box” projects.

·         Maintains communication with the Production Team and provides onsite assistance as needed at all locations. Some travel (approximately 20%) is required.

·         Handles the actual running of the more complex testing, including Carbon/Sulfur and XRF Analyses.

·         Occasionally involved in Sales, Environmental, Health, Safety, and/or Human Resources groups/projects.

·         Ensures compliance with established company Safety and Quality policies and procedures.

Skills and Experience Required for Success

·         3-5 years in Research and Development and/or Production, preferably in brick or another structural clay/technical ceramics field.

·         Previous supervision/management experience preferred.

·         General computer experience, especially MS Office, preferred.

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills

Competencies Required for Success

·         Integrity

·         Trustworthy

·         Teamwork

·         Relationship Building

·         Communication

·         Initiative

·         Quality Focused

Education

·         B.S. in Ceramic Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Biology, or similar required.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.