Laboratory Lead - Agriculture
Core
Lead a team of analysts in an analytical laboratory focused on soil, water, and plant tissue testing to support R&D and operations for a global premium drinks company.
Role type
Senior Laboratory Lead (Analytical Chemistry/Agronomy)
Builds
Reliable analytical data and quality-compliant testing services for agricultural inputs and environmental monitoring.
Domain
Agriculture / Environmental Science / Analytical Chemistry
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Team leadership and coaching, analytical method validation, quality system management (ISO/IEC 17025), budget management, supplier negotiation, statistical data analysis, instrumentation operation (ICP, UV-Vis, IC), GLP compliance, root cause analysis.
Preferred skills
Master's degree in related field, Lean/5S implementation experience, proficiency in advanced spectroscopy and chromatography techniques.
Technologies
ICP, UV-Vis, IC, pH/EC meters, ovens, balances, spectrophotometers, Kjeldahl digesters.
Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and schedule a team of analysts; manage workload, training, and performance. Plan and prioritize sample throughput to meet SLA/turnaround times. Ensure safe operations, adherence to good laboratory practices (GLP). Maintain equipment readiness: calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and service contracts. Oversee routine and advanced analyses (e.g., pH, EC, macro/micronutrients, organic matter, spectrophotometry, Kjeldahl, moisture/ash). Review and approve analytical results; ensure traceability, data integrity and defensible reports. Develop/validate methods; manage control charts, blanks, spikes, duplicates, reference materials, and uncertainty where applicable. Ensure sample custody, labeling, storage, and disposal align with SOPs and regulations. Implement and maintain quality programs aligned to ISO/IEC 17025 principles (or company QMS). Ensure participation in intercomparison/proficiency testing programs; analyze results, lead corrective actions. Translate research protocols into executable lab procedures (sample prep, run plans, data capture). Partner with R&D/agronomy to design experiments, ensure statistical rigor, and reliable data outputs. Prepare technical reports and communicate insights to stakeholders. Own annual lab budget; monitor spend vs. plan and forecast consumables/reagents usage. Generate and track POs; Manage supplier relationships (chemicals, standards, consumables, equipment, service providers). Implement Lean/5S/visual management; drive cycle time reduction and first-pass yield improvements. Track and report KPIs; lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with team leadership
