APM Luxembourg - Compound Lab Supervisor

Primary Purpose of the Position

• The purpose of the position is to support Goodyear's business by effectively managing the Operations of the Applied Physical Metrology (APML) team in the Goodyear (GY) Innovation Center Luxemburg (GICL).
• This team supports the evaluation of materials for the development of new products, technologies and services.
• The incumbent is responsible for the hiring, supervision and development of associates, motivating team members to meet department safety expectations, quality standards, productivity goals, and compliance with Goodyear policies.
• The lab leader is responsible for the timely completion of experimental compound requests, for compound testing, for plant support activities and for small and larger scale raw material/compound receiving, storage and handling operations and related financial transactions.
• The lab leader is responsible for the initiation of continuous improvement activities and for driving the global standardization of APM testing at GY.
• The incumbent organizes the preparation and execution of annual global crosschecks including most Goodyear plants, Research & Development and contractor labs and responsible to provide those labs with reference compounds and respective target properties on a bi-monthly basis.
• The incumbent supports GY EMEA plant labs by sharing best practices and by supporting our regional Quality organization in resolving technical challenges.
• This position requires a balance of supervisory and leadership skills combined with strong communication skills.
• It requires to collaborate with peers, leadership and external stakeholders to deliver test results, insights and services, and to address questions or inquiries about special test requirements.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage APML testing operations.
• Prioritize work and direct the workforce to achieve defined goals and objectives.
• Ensure adherence and compliance to established company Environmental, Heath and Safety (EHS) and quality standards.
• Organize staffing and re-deploy staff between teams in case of need.
• Communicate effectively (both written and oral) with team members, leaders, Human Resource, regional quality, global peers, external partners, and customers.
• Actively manage the Performance Management Process (PMP process), including developing objectives, conducting performance reviews, and establishing training and development plans.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of issues associated with performance, attendance, teamwork, work responsibilities and safety involving team members.
• Communicate top-down goals and guidelines to the team, communicate bottom-up feedback and suggestions from the team during team huddles and 1x1 meetings.
• Fill staffing vacancies by interviewing, hiring and on-boarding of new team members.
• Coach test lab technicians and engineers.
• Act as potential back-up of the APML Chief Engineer.
• Act as primary contact person for issues that may occur in the APML Compound Lab.
• Resolve partners' requests that may require special set-up.
• Host internal partners, press and external customers during visits and lab tours
• Ensure robust knowledge sharing and transfer process.
• Support regional organisation quality in problem solving, in release testing issues and in auditing EMEA plant laboratories.
• Collaboratively establish and maintain metrics and operational performance documentation.
• Identify, propose, and lead teams focused on improving, operational efficiencies, standardization, process improvements, quality initiatives and integration.
• Where EHS issues are found, drive projects and activities with EHS team and management to find resolutions.
• Supervise the acquisition of supplies, equipment, spare parts, consumables, maintenance and calibration services in the APML Test Lab.
• Support and contribute to the annual 5 year operational and capital planning processes.

To join our team, you will need:

Education:

• A master’s degree in engineering is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree with extensive experience in a material laboratory environment or leadership position is required.

Experience:

• Supervisory skills and experience.
• Work experience related to material lab operations and/or testing.
• Lean 101 / A3 (Problem solving methodology).
• Knowledge of relevant equipment & procedures.
• Ability to understand and discuss technical concepts as they relate to testing/ work responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities:

• Demonstrated leadership skills through assigned projects, or process improvements such as lean, CIS or other initiatives. 
• In depth knowledge and understanding of work being performed by the work force and ability to adjust, modify or correct.
• Knowledgeable of EHS/PEC standards and relevant OSHA regulations.
• Working knowledge of administrative tools and systems for timekeeping, attendance, performance metrics, and scheduling as well as other tools to support an efficient work group.
• Solid computer skills (e-mail and Microsoft office).
• Languages: Fluency in English. Fluency is French is desired.
• A valid driving license (B).

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 51 facilities in 19 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to Goodyear.com.

Goodyear is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.