Technical Service and Development Laboratory Manager

Technical Service and Development Laboratory Manager

Location:

Parkersburg, WV

Who we are: Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top‑of‑the‑line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd.

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray: Building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

The North America TS&D Laboratory Manager leads the day‑to‑day operations of the Technical Service & Development (TS&D) Laboratory supporting PVB and high‑value polymer sheet products for automotive and architectural glass applications. As a working supervisor in a three‑person laboratory team, this role actively performs approximately one‑third of the laboratory testing while overseeing workflow, priorities, and performance of the laboratory analysts.

The position is responsible for executing and supervising testing activities, maintaining laboratory equipment and certifications, and ensuring accurate, timely delivery of analytical results. The TS&D Laboratory Manager works closely with Sales, Technical Service, Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support product quality, resolve customer and manufacturing issues, and enable successful market application. Through hands‑on technical expertise, operational discipline, and team leadership, this role plays a key part in delivering customer value and supporting profitable business growth.

• Establish annual laboratory objectives aligned with business goals, budget expectations, and team development needs to ensure successful execution of laboratory priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction to support personnel development and sustained laboratory performance.

• Assign and manage daily TS&D laboratory testing activities to ensure efficient workflows and timely completion of work.
• Effectively organize, prioritize, and multitask in a high‑volume, fast‑paced laboratory environment.

• Maintain the TS&D Laboratory's ISO 9001 certification and ensure ongoing compliance with quality system requirements.
• Ensure accuracy, attention to detail, and data integrity, including the ability to identify abnormal results and draw sound conclusions from sample investigations.

• Serve in a dual role as Laboratory Leader and Laboratory Analyst by defining appropriate test methods, independently conducting analyses, interpreting results, and preparing meaningful analytical reports for customers.
• Apply strong leadership and analytical judgment to support Technical and Research teams with new product development, customer processes, and application‑based testing.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment; coordinate with vendors to establish service contracts and resolve equipment issues.
• Lead the acquisition, installation, qualification, and validation of new equipment.
• Develop, maintain, and implement operating procedures and train laboratory personnel on equipment use and best practices.

• Communicate effectively with laboratory staff, internal customers, and global laboratories across different regions and cultures.