Chemistry Laboratory Operational Manager

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.

Working hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs and Friday 9am - 5:15pm and Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm. As Laboratory Operational Manager for Chemistry, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient and high-quality operation for the specified laboratory. You will manage the day-to-day effective management of departmental General chemistry and Formula Nutrition team leads, ensuring products and results are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification. Dotted line management of cross functional teams, quality, safety and technical, to ensure effective site management of day-to-day activities. Main Duties Represent the laboratory as a key member of the site management team, contributing to short- and long-term strategy. Represent the Operations function during client or development launches, ensuring adequate resource availability and on-time delivery of agreed launch plans. Accountability, escalation point, problem resolution and decision making within scope guidelines, to keep goals on track. Lead initiatives to standardize analytical and operational practices across the network to ensure consistency and efficiency locally and internationally. Collaborate with senior management and technical teams to expand testing capabilities and support profitable growth. Full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of the Food Chemistry laboratory. Proactively manage workflow and testing using Lean methodologies to achieve operational excellence. Ensure sufficient processes are in place for capacity planning to consistently meet or exceed customer requirements. Oversee adherence to Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, and People Development KPIs, driving accountability and continuous improvement across teams. Ensure laboratory compliance with ISO 17025 and Eurofins Quality Management Systems. Guide and support INAB quality compliance in a timely manner. Maintain and expand accreditation through method development, validation, and performance improvement projects. Act as an Authorised Signatory for Test Certificates, ensuring data integrity and technical accuracy. Undertake root cause analysis of failures, implementing effective CAPA actions. Conduct internal quality audits, support regulatory and customer audits, and ensure timely closure Lead, coach, and mentor departmental Managers and Supervisors, fostering a culture of accountability and performance. Build and develop talent across the function, supporting ongoing professional growth. Manage attendance, discipline, and performance in line with company policy. Deliver excellent customer service, ensuring customer requirements are clearly understood, translated, and met. Support ASM and customer engagement activities and act as a key link between technical teams and commercial functions. Lead complex improvement projects focused on quality, efficiency, and service enhancement. Identify and implement best practices to streamline processes and reduce waste. Continuously monitor industry trends and technological advancements to sustain competitive advantage.

Degree or NCEA diploma in a relevant scientific discipline. Proven experience in a contract or analytical laboratory. Proven people management experience. Demonstrated experience in leadership, performance management, and process improvement. Proven success in managing KPIs, cost control, and resource allocation. Experience in Lean or continuous improvement projects. Strong people management skills, decision making and outcome management. An understanding of OPEX, how operations drive revenue, impacts on OPEX, cost and resource management. Open, clear, and proactive in all interactions. Assertive; can take ownership and drives decisions. Flexibile; can adapt to meet changing customer and business needs. Customer focused. Strong problem solving skills.

What Happens Next Our people are the backbone of what we do, so it's incredibly important we find the right individuals to join us. As a potential new recruit you'll be invited to meet the team in the form of an assessment centre or a staged interview process dependent on the role and it's requirements, this will give you the opportunity to see what working for Eurofins is really like and enable us to get you know your key skills and strengths. Your data As part of any recruitment process, the company collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. The company is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations. Closing Date We reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Therefore we would urge candidates to submit an application as early as possible. Due to the high volume of applications we receive please be aware that if you do not receive a response within 4 weeks of the vacancy expiry date unfortunately, on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. We support your development! Do you feel you don’t match 100% of the requirements? Don’t hesitate to apply anyway! Eurofins companies are committed to supporting your career development. We embrace diversity! Eurofins network of companies believe in strength and innovation through diversity, being an Equal Opportunity Employer . We prohibit discrimination against employees or applications based on gender identity and/or expression, race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and everything else that makes employees of Eurofins companies unique.