Chemical Laboratory Manager (Chicago)

Step into a high-impact Lab Manager role where youll lead a growing Quality and Technical Support team within a dynamic chemical manufacturing environment. This position gives you the opportunity to shape lab operations, mentor a young and capable team, and bring structure and process to a department thats ready for strong leadership. Its a hands-on role where your chemistry expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to work through ambiguity will directly influence product quality, customer satisfaction, and production success.

Pay : $95k-$120k

Schedule : M-F 7a-4p or 10a-6p (Flexible schedule to accommodate 2nd / 3rd shift presence)

Type of Job : Direct Hire

Location : Bedford Park, IL

At this time, Astrix cannot transfer nor sponsor a work Visa for this position.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Benefits Offered :

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life / AD&D, 401K, Vacation, and more!

Lab Manager Daily Tasks : What you will do :

• Lead and mentor the QC and Technical Service lab teams, providing daily guidance, training, and structured processes to support a young, developing staff while maintaining high standards of organization and lab performance.
• Oversee all QC testing, analytical methods, and troubleshooting to ensure product quality, repeatability, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal specifications.
• Apply chemistry expertise, especially in metalworking fluids, industrial lubricants, water-based systems, or emulsions, to solve complex formulation and performance issues.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, and Technical Management to support production needs, guide application decisions, communicate technical insights, and drive both short- and long-term product performance goals.
• Drive continuous improvement through root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and data-driven project management, ensuring the lab meets KPI targets, safety standards, and budget requirements.

Lab Manager Qualifications / Requirements :

We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you!