Lab and Product Compliance Manager

This role is required to be onsite in Red Wing, MN. We are unable to provide sponsorship or relocation at this time.  LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY.

Watch here to see what it's like to work at Red Wing Shoe Company.

Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our corporate office sits along the Mississippi River in downtown Red Wing.  We are a global company with 2300 employees around the world, but we maintain a close-knit family atmosphere that comes with being a privately-held company. We’re rich in history and tradition, but innovation drives us to deliver best-in-class product solutions and highly rated customer experiences.  Focus on our employees and company culture results in meaningful employee engagement across the organization. Our Guiding Behaviors of Living our Values, Honoring our Brands, Inspiring our People, Centering on our Customers, and Preserving the long term success and legacy of our Company are the foundation on which we build our future.

The targeted hiring range for this full-time position is $95,900 - $129,400 depending on qualifications; however, the expanded salary range provides opportunities for advancement. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and job location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, competencies, experience, and relevant education, training or a combination of these things and market demand. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Lab and Product Compliance Manager to oversee the testing and analysis of footwear, leather, garments, and the raw materials used in their production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical and physical testing methodologies, experience in managing a laboratory environment, and a keen eye for quality and accuracy. This role is critical to ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and durability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Laboratory Management:
   • Supervise and coordinate daily operations of the laboratory.
   • Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
   • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for testing protocols.
2. Testing and Analysis:
   • Conduct chemical and physical testing on footwear, leather, garments, and raw materials, including but not limited to tensile strength, abrasion resistance, colorfastness, and chemical composition.
   • Analyze test results and provide detailed reports on product quality and compliance with industry standards.
   • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to testing processes and equipment.
3. Quality Control:
   • Ensure all tests are performed in accordance with established industry standards and regulatory requirements.
   • Review and verify test results to ensure accuracy and consistency.
   • Collaborate with the quality assurance team to address and resolve quality issues.
4. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Maintain accurate and detailed records of all testing activities and results.
   • Prepare and present reports on testing outcomes, trends, and recommendations for product improvements.
   • Ensure proper documentation and storage of test samples and records.
5. Team Leadership:
   • Train and mentor laboratory staff on testing procedures, safety protocols, and best practices.
   • Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
   • Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to laboratory personnel.
6. Compliance and Safety:
   • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations within the laboratory.
   • Implement and oversee safety protocols to minimize risks associated with chemical and physical testing.
7. Continuous Improvement:
   • Stay updated on advancements in testing technologies and methodologies.
   • Recommend and implement improvements to testing processes and laboratory practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a laboratory environment, with a focus on chemical and physical testing of footwear, leather, garments, or similar products.
• Strong understanding of testing standards and methodologies relevant to footwear and apparel.
• Proven experience in managing laboratory operations and leading a team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software for data analysis.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex data in a clear and concise manner.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in laboratory management or related professional certifications.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation processes.

Red Wing Shoes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in completing an application may contact [email protected] or call 651-388-8211.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP at https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm

All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory results of a background check.

Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

Red Wing Shoe Company will not be using recruitment agencies or firms to fill this position and we will not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate information. No agency calls please.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)