Laboratory Leader (Electrical & Electronics Operations)

Job Function:

Effectively manages the team’s daily operations, guiding project decisions and opportunities within a matrixed organization. Supports the COU Business Manager and Lab Manager in setting performance goals and financial objectives (revenue, profit, enterprise value). Continuously monitors resource availability and delegates tasks as needed to ensure timely completion.

Drives team performance by managing development, engagement, and performance of team members. Builds customer relationships and supports the commercial team by ensuring workload balance and providing necessary technical support. Oversees lab operations, ensuring proper staff utilization, training, coaching, and development. Focuses on Small Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics testing.

Responsibilities

Engineering

- Manages capacity and capability under the guidance of the Business and Laboratory Managers, ensuring effective workflow by collaborating with cross-functional teams and customers to understand project scope and technical needs.

- Drives process improvements to achieve financial goals, supporting local team members and fostering a high-performance culture.

- Accountable for team results, assisting in defining goals and metrics to execute strategy.

- Provides coaching, training, and career development to build high morale and performance, while ensuring compliance with policies and requirements.

- Increases customer loyalty by anticipating needs, providing proactive solutions, and gathering feedback.

- Supports sales through strong customer relationships and deep knowledge of project pipelines.

- Offers technical guidance and engineering judgment to resolve issues and ensure quality. Leads discussions on business initiatives and empowers the team to find growth opportunities and meet financial goals.

- Oversees Project Handlers, ensuring compliance with requirements and customer expectations, and may handle some projects directly or serve as lead reviewer.

- Communicates UL’s Vision and Mission, promotes change, and builds trust across the organization and with customers.

- Develops cross-functional and global relationships to enhance speed, quality, and customer experience.

- Coaches team members to do the same, while adhering to the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and security practices.

Laboratory Operations:

- Schedules and coordinates lab workflow to optimize staff utilization, collaborating on staffing decisions and performance evaluations.

- Ensures compliance with company policies and fosters positive employee relations.

- Develops annual budget goals, capital expenditure plans for equipment, and tactical plans for the lab team.

- Evaluates test performance, providing feedback and revising protocols or data sheets as needed.

- Monitors test methods and identifies training or equipment needs, assisting with the development and validation of new methods.

- Communicates with clients during tests to explain methods and results, and works with UL field representatives and contractors regarding follow-up tests and equipment.

- Incorporates continuous improvement techniques into all aspects of lab operations.

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering with approximately 8 years of related experience.

- Lean Sigma Green Belt or Lean Leadership Training, and Gage R&R experience preferred.

- Strong understanding of how decisions impact business outcomes, with experience working in diverse teams and strategic planning.

- Proven ability to manage employee performance through setting expectations and addressing employee relations issues.

- Effective leadership in a Lean Sigma environment.

- Skilled at simplifying complex information and delivering concise, impactful presentations.

- Proficient in analyzing data, process documents, and special testing needs.

- Able to take calculated risks and plan for contingencies, while effectively coaching and guiding the team.

- Demonstrates cultural awareness in diverse work environments and proficiency in both local language and basic English.

- Strong skills in customer collaboration, project management, and business acumen.