Manufacturing Laboratory Manager
Company: Ball Corporation
Location: Kettering, ENG, GB
Date: 20 May 2026
Job Category: Quality/ Continuous Improvement
Position overview
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for leading the Laboratory Services function across the region, providing technical expertise and support to manufacturing plants, customers, Global Engineering, Global Innovation, suppliers, and licensees. This role drives laboratory strategy, operational excellence, risk mitigation, and industry leadership related to aluminum packaging and packaged-product interactions while ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and customer support.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and prioritize Laboratory Services activities across the region to support business and operational objectives.
- Manage a $2M+ annual budget and oversee a $20M laboratory facility with business‑critical assets.
- Develop and execute laboratory strategic plans, including talent development, safety initiatives, CAPEX planning, KPI management, and SLA performance improvement.
- Serve as the company’s technical expert within global trade organizations and industry groups related to aluminum packaging and packaged‑product interactions.
- Partner with global customers and key stakeholders to support development of industry standards impacting commercial agreements, warranties, and product performance.
- Provide technical expertise and risk‑based guidance to customers, suppliers, operations, engineering, innovation, legal, and commercial teams.
- Lead beverage screening and coating requirement evaluations to mitigate risk and ensure successful aluminum packaging performance.
- Drive global standardization and continuous improvement across laboratory operations and testing methodologies.
- Prepare and present technical findings, risk assessments, and analysis results to senior leadership, customers, and suppliers.
- Support operational decision‑making through data analysis, technical expertise, and industry knowledge.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in aluminum packaging analysis or related industry environments; 15+ years preferred.
- Strong expertise in failure analysis, corrosion engineering, materials engineering, and aluminum packaging interactions.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations, beverage processing, and packaged‑product performance.
- Strong analytical and statistical analysis capabilities with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making.
- Working knowledge of electrochemistry, sensory science, and organic coatings.
- Proven leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills within complex global organizations; involvement with Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) or similar industry organizations is desirable.
Ball Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, faith, ability, or orientation. When you join Ball you belong to a team of over 16,000 members worldwide. Our products range from infinitely recyclable aluminium cans, cups to aerosol bottles solutions that enable our customers to contribute to a better world.
Please note the advertised job title might vary from the job title on the contract due to local job title structure and global HR systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Laboratory Manager in Kettering
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Ball Aerospace, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Ball Aerospace specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ball Aerospace
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ball Aerospace, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Ball Aerospace value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
