Analytical & PAD Lab Manager

Come Join an Inclusive Team

A. Schulman Plastics BV, part of the LyondellBasell group, is an international supplier of high-value polymer compounds and masterbatches used as raw materials to functionalize polymer film and sheet applications, mainly for the food industry. Our Bornem site employs approximately 200 people.  

A Day in the Life

As Analytical and PAD Lab Manager, you lead the Analytical and PAD laboratories, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality execution in line with business priorities. You are accountable for people leadership, resource allocation, technical capability, laboratory performance and continuous improvement. 

Responsibilities & accountabilities: 

• Managing laboratory requests arising from development projects, customer needs and production issues, from initial evaluation through execution, reporting and closure.
• Prioritizing the laboratory portfolio and allocating people, equipment and pilot-line capacity based on business value, urgency and technical complexity to ensure timely delivery of agreed priorities.
• Collaborating closely with Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Stewardship, Technical Service and Commercial teams to translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable safety, quality and Operational Excellence requirements across all laboratory and pilot-line activities.
• Establishing, validating and regularly reviewing laboratory methods and techniques to maintain up-to-date technical standards and capabilities.
• Driving continuous improvement, digitalization and automation initiatives to ensure efficient laboratory workflows, optimal equipment utilization, shorter turnaround times and high standards of data quality and productivity.
• Developing and presenting CAPEX and OPEX proposals for laboratory equipment, infrastructure, maintenance and continuous improvement projects.
• Building team capability through coaching, cross-training, knowledge sharing and succession planning.
• Providing analytical and application-development expertise to support MBS innovation, customer, and manufacturing and business projects. 

You Bring This Value

• A master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required;
  • a PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering is an advantage. 
• At least 8–10 years of relevant experience in analytical laboratories, polymer or application development, or technical manufacturing support, including several years of people-leadership experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of analytical techniques, polymers, additives and their applications, as well as extrusion and application-testing methods.
• Continuous-improvement experience;
  • Lean or Six Sigma certification is an advantage. 
• Experience with laboratory digitalization, automation or LIMS is an advantage.
• Experience with business-specific software, such as SAP and Sopheon. 
• Fluency in English and a good command of Dutch. 

Competencies

To be successful in this role you must recognize yourself in the following profile: 

You have strong stakeholder management and communication skills, enabling you to effectively translate business needs into clear technical priorities. Combined with strong organizational skills and a results-driven mindset, you are able to drive change and deliver impactful outcomes. Your critical and analytical approach allows you to assess complex situations, identify opportunities for improvement, and make well-founded decisions.

Candidates will also be assessed on the following LYB competencies:
•    Build Partnerships
•    Deliver Results
•    Drive Innovation
•    Grow Capabilities
•    Promote Inclusion

What We Offer

• An indefinite-term contract in an international environment.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• A dynamic organization.
• Interesting learning and career opportunities.