Building Materials Testing Lab Director

Department: Operations

Location: Richburg, SC

Reports To: General Manager, Research Center

FLSA Status: Exempt

Direct Reports: Laboratory Technicians and Technical Staff

Position Summary

The Building Materials Testing Lab Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the IBHS Research Center's laboratory and large-scale testing environments. Reporting to the General Manager, this role ensures that laboratory infrastructure, personnel, safety systems, and operational processes consistently support world‑class research focused on reducing property loss from natural hazards.

This leader is accountable for operational readiness, safety compliance, equipment reliability, workforce capability, and continuous improvement across all testing environments. The Director ensures laboratory operations are disciplined, predictable, and aligned with the Research Center's long‑term strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead laboratory and large‑scale testing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and system reliability of all testing equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure operational readiness for wind, hail, fire, and related resilience testing programs.
• Maintain standardized operating procedures and quality controls across all laboratory functions.

Safety & Risk Management

• Champion a culture where safety is job one and embed safety principles into all operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee safety training, documentation, and hazard mitigation practices.
• Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions to address identified risks.

People Leadership & Workforce Development

• Lead and develop laboratory technicians and technical staff, fostering professional growth and engagement.
• Establish clear accountability, performance expectations, and development pathways for direct reports.
• Build technical capability and operational bench strength through targeted training and mentorship.
• Foster strong collaboration with engineers, researchers, and operations leaders across the organization.

Strategic Infrastructure & Capital Planning

• Partner with the General Manager and Head of Research to align laboratory capabilities with research strategy.
• Identify modernization opportunities for facilities, equipment, and testing methodologies.
• Support capital planning and infrastructure investment decisions with data‑driven recommendations.
• Contribute to long‑range planning for Research Center growth and operational capacity.

What Success Looks Like

• Laboratory operations are safe, compliant, and consistently audit‑ready.
• Testing systems are reliable, calibrated, and operational when needed.
• Research programs are executed on schedule with high‑quality data.
• Safety risks are proactively identified and mitigated.
• Staff performance and engagement are strong and sustainable.
• Infrastructure evolves strategically to support future research demands.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Science, or related technical field.
• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in laboratory operations, technical facility leadership, or large‑scale testing environments.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical teams in complex, safety‑sensitive settings.
• Experience managing instrumentation systems, mechanical infrastructure, and testing equipment.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and safety standards.
• Proven ability to drive operational discipline and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with construction materials testing, environmental simulation, or full‑scale testing.
• Experience overseeing capital projects or facility expansion initiatives.

Work Environment This role operates primarily within a large‑scale laboratory and testing facility environment, including indoor and outdoor testing areas. Exposure includes heavy machinery, environmental simulation systems, construction materials, elevated work areas, electrical systems, and variable temperatures. PPE is required in designated areas.

Physical Requirements Ability to perform medium work, including occasional lifting up to 40 lbs, frequent standing, walking, climbing, and navigating testing structures, ability to operate in high‑noise environments, and ability to access elevated platforms and mechanical areas as needed.

How We Work at IBHS

All roles operate within the IBHS Operating System, which defines how we achieve success:

• Start with Why We understand the purpose behind our work and connect daily actions to the broader mission.
• Safety is Job One Safety is everyone's responsibility. We speak up, pause when needed, and protect our people and our mission.
• Deliver High Quality Work We act with intentionality, accountability, flexibility, and transparency to produce work that withstands scrutiny.
• Seek and Provide Advice We make informed decisions by seeking input before consequential actions and offering candid, constructive perspectives.
• Right People, Right Place, Right Time We collaborate with purpose, engage the appropriate stakeholders, and respect others' time.
• Productivity Through Predictable Processes We steward resources responsibly, rely on repeatable processes, learn from mistakes, and simplify when possible.

IBHS Commitment: At IBHS, our people are central to our impact. We are committed to building a workplace where individuals are respected, supported, and held to high standards of professionalism and integrity. We value thoughtful collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to advancing science‑based solutions that strengthen resilience nationwide. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work and our mission.

IBHS is a Drug‑Free Workplace, Equal Opportunity Employer, and E‑Verify Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status.

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