Director of Process Safety Laboratory

About the Role Stonehouse Process Safety provides consulting, laboratory testing, and training in specialist areas of technical process safety and Process Safety Management. Based in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Stonehouse works with diverse clients in a variety of industries (chemical, pharmaceuticals, agriculture/food, engineering, technology, construction, wood) to deliver services including combustible dust, electrostatic, self-heating/thermal instability, and flammability testing and consulting. Stonehouse Process Safety is seeking a senior leader to direct our Lawrenceville, NJ laboratories and serve as the key interface with clients. This role combines operational leadership, technical authority, and commercial responsibility. The Director will oversee laboratory operations, ensure technical excellence and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and industry standards, and act as the primary point of contact for clients – translating their needs into testing strategies, supporting business development, and fostering long-term relationships. The ideal candidate will have specialist knowledge in process safety. This is an in-office position that works closely with our laboratory, consulting, and corporate teams in our Lawrenceville, New Jersey office. Key Responsibilities Direct and manage all laboratory operations, staff, and resources to deliver high-quality process safety testing services. Lead and expand capabilities in chemical reaction hazard testing using techniques such as Accelerating Rate Calorimetry (ARC), Automatic Pressure Tracking Adiabatic Calorimetry (APTAC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and gas-phase hazard testing (flammability, ignition sensitivity, explosion severity). Serve as subject matter expert across Stonehouse's testing portfolio (reactivity, dust, electrostatic, flammability, thermal instability), providing interpretation and consultative support to clients. Act as primary client liaison, building trusted relationships, scoping projects, presenting results, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Work with leadership and sales teams to expand laboratory services, identify new opportunities, and contribute to proposals and presentations. Ensure laboratory adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 and relevant industry standards (ASTM, IEC, DOT/UN), and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency. Collaborate with senior management to align laboratory services with corporate strategy, supporting both technical and commercial growth. Mentor, coach, and develop laboratory staff, fostering a culture of safety, learning, and technical excellence. Qualifications Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar – advanced degree (MS, PhD) preferred. 7-10+ years of laboratory or process safety experience, with at least 3-5 years of management experience required. Proven expertise in chemical reaction hazards and process safety testing, with hands-on experience using ARC, APTAC, DSC, and TGA equipment. Strong commercial acumen: experience in client engagement, technical sales support, or business development in a technical services environment. Demonstrated ability to manage teams, set priorities, and deliver to deadlines. Excellent communicator: able to explain technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong project management skills and business awareness. What Stonehouse Offers Base salary: $150,000 to $180,000, depending on experience Competitive pay + benefits, including 100% deductible coverage and 85% premiums coverage for health insurance Annual bonus based on individual and company targets 401k program with company matching Generous PTO policy and 10 company-sponsored holidays Growth opportunities at a fast-growing company