Laboratory and Design Manager

Please note: This is an on-site (i.e. not hybrid or remote) role. My client will offer relocation assistance to the Mukwonago, WI area if required.The Company:Our client, Badger Color USA is a leading developer and manufacturer of colorant solutions for the plastics industry; and a trusted U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in custom color solutions for a wide range of polymers and processes. Badger Color serves a wide variety of markets such as packaging, furniture, building and construction, automotive and many more. Founded in 1998, Badger Color is a member of the Kafrit Group, a global leader in masterbatch and compound solutions that is fueled by the values of family, quality, and exceptional customer service. The Company is both very profitable and growth-oriented.What began with an entrepreneurial spirit has grown into a thriving operation spanning two state-of-the-art facilities in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Today, with a team of over 200 dedicated and diverse employees. Badger Color leverages advanced extrusion, milling, and mixing technologies to deliver flexible, reliable, responsive and sustainable solutions for both masterbatch and liquid color concentrates.The Company is proud to state, “We don’t just deliver products. We create solutions”.The Company is headquartered in Mukwonago, WI, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Milwaukee, WI. Badger also has a plant in Kings Mountain, NC (~ 35 miles from Charlotte, NC).The Role:In this role you will report to the Technical Manager and oversee and support the Design Team at the Mukwonago site. Key to this role will be the responsibility for ensuring appropriate scheduling of color matches, accurate starting formulations and approved color matches to meet established standards and customer specifications.You will also collaborate with the Production Manager and other cross-functional leaders to maintain product quality throughout the manufacturing and shipping processes.You can expect to process 500+ color matches per month. Badger produces high quality colorants and provides rapid turn-arounds-to their customers. You will be the key person accountable for formulation, quality and quick delivery.You Will Also Be Accountable for:Leading a team of 12 staff membersSupporting new employee onboarding by assisting with the training of new laboratory employees and facilitating the continued training of lab techniciansCompleting annual reviews for direct reportsParticipating in customer visits and assisting with hosting onsite color-matching sessions as neededIdentifying and implementing workflow efficiencies to improve lab productivityAssisting department managers, supervisors, & Sr. Technical Manager as neededEnsuring employees adhere to company policies and requirements—particularly in the area of safetyPerform additional tasks as assigned.A Great Candidate for This Role Will Possess:6+ years in the color concentrate industry, with a strong focus on color and masterbatch formulating. Alternatively, your experience in printing, inks, coatings or plastics could be equally attractive.The ability to use color matching and QC software (spectrophotometer) such as: Colibri, X-Rite, Datacolor, etc.The ability to pass annual testing for color evaluation using the Farnsworth Munsell testing kitProven color lab formulation skills as well as a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes and concerns regarding color masterbatch.Strong leadership skills. This will be an important element to your achieving success in this role.Interested? Please Contact:Gary J. SmithManaging PartnerSmith, Scott&Associates719-538-4404gary.smith@smithscott.com