Lab Manager

Adept Group is seeking a Lab Manager (1099 Contractor)! This role will be responsible for managing packaging lab operations, equipment, testing workflows, safety, compliance, and vendor relationships while supporting a large packaging team.

This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity and will require onsite work 3–4 days per week in East Hanover, NJ.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage packaging lab operations and daily testing workflows
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, commissioning, and decommissioning of lab and manufacturing equipment
• Partner with Packaging Engineers to support testing and project execution
• Develop and maintain packaging component and finished-good testing protocols
• Manage outsourced testing and coordinate with external vendors
• Oversee lab safety, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts
• Manage relationships with facilities teams and equipment vendors
• Support CapEx expenditures, tracking, audits, and related accounting needs
• Stay current on new and emerging trends within the packaging discipline

Typical Day to Day:

• Manage daily lab activities, testing schedules, and equipment needs
• Collaborate with Packaging Engineers and a broader 50+ person team
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and calibration
• Support performance and safety evaluations
• Manage outsourced testing and vendor communication
• Monitor safety, compliance, and continuous improvement activities
• Track CapEx spending and equipment-related documentation

Requirements:

• 7+ years of relevant experience
• Strong experience managing packaging lab operations and equipment
• Experience commissioning lab and/or manufacturing equipment
• Experience with equipment maintenance, calibration, testing, and safety requirements
• Ability to work effectively with Packaging Engineers and cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational, communication, and vendor-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple workflows and priorities
• CPG/consumer packaged goods experience preferred

Nice-to-haves:
Experience commissioning and decommissioning lab and/or manufacturing equipment.

Location & Schedule:

• East Hanover, NJ
• Onsite 3–4 days per week
• Approximately 40 hours per week
• 1-year contract
• Low to no travel
• Target compensation: $48–$65/hour

Disclaimer:

This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.