Job Information
UL, LLC Laboratory Operations Manager - Construction/Building Materials in Northbrook, Illinois
The Laboratory Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a construction and building materials testing laboratory. This role involves ensuring that all activities conducted safely and efficiently. The manager will collaborate with industry partners to develop laboratory testing programs that meet certification requirements and support both immediate and future goals.
Oversee the daily operations of the construction and building materials testing laboratory, ensuring all preparation, testing and post-testing activities such as welding, concrete processing, demolition and handling of heavy construction materials are performed safely and efficiently.
Collaborate with industry partners to establish and refine laboratory testing programs that meet both short-term and long-term objectives, ensuring alignment with certification requirements.
Work closely with Product Management and Professional Engineers to create and refine test procedures that address unique material features and exceed existing standards, requiring independent judgment and expertise.
Lead and mentor a team of lab and construction professionals, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement in handling construction materials and operating heavy lab equipment.
Manage the acquisition, maintenance, and operation of state-of-the-art lab equipment, ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of construction materials testing technology.
Develop and enforce strict safety protocols and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and other relevant accreditation standards.
Drive process improvements and operational excellence within the lab using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Uphold the company's Code of Conduct and ensure adherence to all physical and digital security policies.
Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the lab's growth and success.
High school diploma or GED required; a university degree in engineering, materials science, or a related field is preferred.
At least 6 years of leadership experience in an industrial setting, with a strong background in construction or manufacturing.
Experience with welding, concrete processing, and/or building materials, as well as familiarity with heavy construction equipment.
Proven track record of managing safety within a work environment, with a deep understanding of industry-standard safety practices.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and use other relevant software.
Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage multiple projects, and maintain control over laboratory budgets and resources.
Excellent strategic planning skills, with the capacity to develop business plans and engage in public outreach when necessary.
Experience in project management, particularly with lab or site expansions, equipment upgrades, and facility renovations.
Knowledge of ISO 17025 standards and experience maintaining laboratory accreditation is a plus.
What you'll experience working at UL:
Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 125 years and is deeply engrained in everything we do.
People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
Total Rewards: In the US, we provide lots of great benefits for our employees are their families. From Volunteer Days off to 401k match and retirement contribution benefits to flexible work location & schedule options we look to support our employees no matter what stage in life they are experiencing.
Learn More:
Curious? To learn more about us and the work we do, visit our company page www.UL.com
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A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
UL LLC has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. To assure full implementation of this equal employment policy, we will take steps to assure that:
Persons are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to race, color, age, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy, marital or familial status, or any other protected category under applicable law.