The Role:

The R&D Lab Manager provides hands-on technical expertise while leading a small team of student interns and coordinating an offsite lab located at the University of Illinois Research Park. This role owns day-to-day lab operations and capability (equipment readiness, materials, safety, documentation, and data integrity) and supports formulation work through bench execution, sample preparation, and testing as needed.

The position partners primarily with the Gurnee-based R&D organization and collaborates as needed with Quality and Regulatory to ensure compliant, well-documented products and testing/claims support. This role requires strong self-direction, clear communication, and disciplined execution across locations, with periodic onsite presence at Gurnee R&D for critical work, trials, and team collaboration.
What You Will Do:

• Manage lab operations, including scheduling, sample management, supplies, equipment readiness, and method/record control.
• Provide technical leadership on experimental design and execution; perform and/or direct bench testing and troubleshoot formulation, process, and equipment issues.
• Lead, train, and mentor student interns and other support staff, including onboarding, project scoping, technical guidance, and reviewing data quality and deliverables.
• Plan and execute projects with the Gurnee-based R&D team, aligning priorities, timelines, and deliverables; communicate risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations.
• Lead performance and analytical testing programs to support competitive assessments, product optimization, compliance needs, and claim substantiation.
• Support formulation development through bench work, sample preparation, and testing.
• Ensure lab safety and compliance (cGMP/GLP, ISO as applicable), including training, audits, SOP adherence, and incident prevention.
• Document work clearly and compliantly, including lab records, test methods, protocols, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with Regulatory and external partners to support compliance, registrations, and testing requirements.
• This role may include additional duties as needed.

What You Will Bring:

• Experience leading and developing technical talent, including mentoring student interns or junior staff.
• Hands-on experience managing lab operations, including equipment, supplies, calibration, and documentation systems.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, especially with R&D, Quality, and Regulatory teams.
• High attention to detail with strong project management skills.
• BSc/MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of hands-on R&D experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience with formulation and analytical methods (viscosity, pH, density, stability, compatibility, performance testing, etc.).
• Nice to have: Consumer or specialty chemicals experience and familiarity with compliance standards (cGMP/GLP, ISO, GFSI/BRC).

Compensation Range:

$85,000 - $103,000

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across U.S. locations. Individual pay is determined by skills, experience, location, and education.
Benefits:

PBB offers a wide range of benefits because we understand no two employees are the same. We want employees to feel empowered to set their day up for success, whether in the office or remote.
What We Offer:

• Generous paid time off
• Competitive salaries and bonus incentives
• 401K company match
• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• Pet insurance
• Annual fitness stipend
• Employee discount on all products
• Summer hours
• LinkedIn Learning membership

Location: University of Illinois Research Park (Urbana Champaign, IL)

Please apply at Career Center | Recruitment