Operations Manager, Chemistry*

The Operations Manager - Chemistry provides strategic and operational leadership for food chemistry testing laboratories. This role ensures the accurate, efficient, and compliant execution of analytical testing services that may include (but are not limited to) nutritional analysis, contaminants, residues, allergens, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and other chemical assays relevant to food safety and quality.

The Operations Manager is responsible for aligning chemistry laboratory operations with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and client expectations. This position drives technical excellence, operational efficiency, method standardization, and continuous improvement while ensuring scientific integrity and data accuracy across all chemistry disciplines.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Business Alignment
• Develop and execute operational strategies specific to food chemistry testing services.
• Align chemistry laboratory capabilities with evolving regulatory requirements and client demands.
• Partner with commercial and technical teams to expand service offerings and support business growth.
• Lead cross-site harmonization of chemistry methods, instrumentation platforms, and quality practices.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee daily operations of chemistry departments, ensuring efficient workflow from sample receipt through data reporting.
• Monitor turnaround times, backlog, instrument utilization, and staffing capacity.
• Ensure proper scheduling, maintenance, calibration, and performance verification of analytical instruments.
• Support financial performance through cost control, productivity optimization, and capital planning for instrumentation.

Technical & Quality Leadership

• Serve as the senior technical authority for chemistry testing, ensuring scientific validity and data integrity.
• Oversee method validation, verification, and implementation of new analytical technologies.
• Review and approve corrective actions related to out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and non-conforming results.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain ISO 17025 accreditation and audit readiness.
• Maintain authority to suspend analytical testing if quality systems or data integrity are compromised.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and workflow optimization initiatives within chemistry operations.
• Identify automation opportunities in sample preparation, extraction, and data processing.
• Implement best practices for analytical efficiency, solvent reduction, and sustainability initiatives.
• Utilize KPI dashboards and analytical data trends to improve laboratory performance.

Resource & Performance Management

• Oversee workforce planning for chemists, analysts, and technical supervisors.
• Establish performance metrics aligned with quality, service, cost, and safety goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to department leaders.
• Ensure proper training and competency assessments for complex instrumentation and methodologies.

Client & Regulatory Engagement

• Support client-facing technical discussions related to chemistry testing methodologies and results interpretation.
• Participate in client audits and regulatory inspections as the chemistry subject matter expert.
• Provide technical guidance during method transfers, validations, and large-scale client projects.

Technology & Systems

• Ensure effective use of LIMS and chromatography data systems for data traceability and compliance.
• Oversee instrument lifecycle management including procurement, qualification, and retirement planning.
• Support digital transformation initiatives to enhance data analytics and reporting transparency.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as backup to senior laboratory leadership as required.
• Perform additional duties aligned with operational and technical objectives.
• Operate in full compliance with the company's Code of Conduct and ethical standards.

Communication

Internal: Frequent collaboration with Quality Assurance, Technical Directors, R&D, Client Services, Finance, and Regional Leadership to align chemistry operations with company strategy and compliance requirements.

External: Regular communication with clients, regulatory bodies, auditors, vendors, and instrumentation suppliers regarding analytical methods, compliance standards, and operational performance.

Success Factors / Job Competencies

• Advanced technical expertise in food chemistry testing
• Strong regulatory and compliance leadership
• Operational excellence and KPI management
• Strategic planning and instrumentation management
• Data integrity and analytical problem-solving
• Talent development and team leadership
• Effective client communication and technical presentation skills