Lab Assistant Manager

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.

Trusted by the world's leading companies to deliver crucial, innovative, and sustainable solutions, we provide value-adding products including apparel, footwear and speciality threads.

With a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, we have operations across 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving our customers worldwide.

Headquartered in the UK, Coats* connects talent, textiles, and technology to make a better and more sustainable world.

For more info, visit our website: www.coats.com

Role Purpose:

Deliver required DTM/Sample service and satisfy external customer expectations, enabling good conversion of samples to bulk orders while optimising dye-lab operations resources. Deliver good promotion to bulk production in terms of colour quality and fastness performance and effective communication among all stakeholders within the organisation in the management of various dye-lab activities, primarily about customer sample requests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure full compliance with all company Health & Safety policies and regulations.
• Establish and sustain a strong Health & Safety mindset and culture within the area of responsibility.
• Maintain a world-class working environment through robust 5S practices, professional appearance, and safety best practices.
• Ensure all laboratory SOPs and Work Instructions are regularly reviewed, updated, and strictly followed.
• Achieve and continuously improve laboratory operational KPIs, including attempts per shade, sample lead time, lots per machine per day, sample rejection rate, and colour quality promotion to bulk.
• Partner with maintenance teams to identify and rectify poorly performing machinery.
• Control and optimise laboratory working hours in line with output requirements.
• Manage effective communication and coordination between Sales & Marketing, customers, and the laboratory team.
• Recommend, agree, and implement process flow improvements to enhance the competitiveness of the colour sampling service.
• Monitor, evaluate, and manage the performance of subordinates.
• Ensure strict adherence to working hour regulations.
• Conduct annual performance reviews for all direct reports.

Qualifications and Experience:

• University graduate, preferably in Textile, Chemical, or Engineering disciplines.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to motivate teams and drive high performance.
• Sound technical knowledge of dyeing methods, dyestuffs, and auxiliary chemicals.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Ability to prepare and present reports clearly and concisely.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload effectively.
• Ability to work systematically and methodically.
• Basic data analysis skills.
• Prior experience in textile dyeing or as a colourist is a strong advantage.

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.

Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of textiles.