Color Lab Manager

Position Summary

The Color Department Manager is responsible for leading all North Kansas City-based color operations, including color file development, color sample production, color matching systems, and color-related production support. This role ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality color performance across products and manufacturing sites while developing team capabilities, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and aligning color operations with business objectives.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, oversee departmental priorities, and collaborate across multiple functions to support product development, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Color Department personnel through training, performance management, and career development initiatives.
• Build and maintain technical expertise within the team in color matching, file development, instrumentation, and color management systems.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and ownership.

Color Operations Management

• Oversee all color file development for new products, processes, and equipment implementations.
• Ensure the production of accurate, high-quality color samples that meet internal and customer specifications.
• Prioritize departmental workload to support business objectives, project timelines, and customer commitments.
• Maintain efficient workflows for color matching, file creation, and sample preparation activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Product Development, and Product Support teams to establish color acceptance criteria and evaluate color feasibility.
• Work closely with Production and Quality Control teams to support manufacturing operations and resolve color-related challenges.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Marketing teams to meet customer sample and product support needs.
• Engage with suppliers and external partners regarding pigments, colorants, and emerging color technologies.

Production Support & Problem Resolution

• Lead investigations and resolution efforts for color-related production issues and customer concerns.
• Provide technical guidance on off-specification color batches, including recommendations for correction, rework, or disposition.
• Support troubleshooting efforts across multiple manufacturing locations, systems, and color management platforms.

Quality, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with company standards, testing methods, and documentation requirements.
• Review and improve color processes to enhance accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Oversee the effective use of color instrumentation, software platforms, and formulation systems.
• Maintain accurate, traceable records for formulations, samples, and color files.
• Identify and implement opportunities for technology improvements, automation, and workflow optimization.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all color-related activities are documented, traceable, and audit-ready.
• Monitor departmental performance and provide reporting as needed to support business objectives.

Internal & External Partnerships

This position regularly collaborates with:

• R&D / Product Development
• Product Support, Quality Control, and Testing Laboratory Teams
• Production Teams (North Kansas City, Baltimore, and other manufacturing locations)
• Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service
• Purchasing and Suppliers
• ReworkTeams

Required Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of color matching, color file development, and coatings technology.
• Strong understanding of pigments, colorants, manufacturing processes, and color measurement systems.
• Experience working with color instrumentation and color management software.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive departmental performance.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in coatings, color technology, or a related field.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with color software systems and related analytical tools.
• Ability to meet applicable color aptitude requirements.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Regular computer-based work.
• Operation of laboratory and batch equipment.
• Occasional interaction with manufacturing environments.

Safety & Compliance

All employees are required to follow company safety policies and procedures and participate in required hazardous materials, safety, and environmental training programs.