We are looking for a Food Safety Laboratory Manager who will be responsible for the strategic, technical, and operational leadership of the Food Safety Laboratory, ensuring analytical data reliability, regulatory compliance, and scientific support to business decision-making in food safety, food contact materials (FCM/MOCA), and finished product/raw material quality.
A key part of the role is the design and implementation of a new laboratory, developed according to international standards (ISO 17025), fully integrated into product development, risk management, and HACCP processes. The laboratory must adopt innovative solutions in layout, technologies, and workflows to ensure efficiency, safety, and scalability, while contributing proactively to food safety risk prevention across the value chain.
This position reports directly to the Food Safety Director within the Quality function.
* Define and lead the Food Safety laboratory strategy in alignment with company policies and global governance.
* Design and develop the new laboratory, including layout, technologies, and operational model aligned with ISO 17025 standards.
* Oversee analytical methods (chemical, microbiological, physical), ensuring robustness, validation, and measurement reliability.
* Ensure accreditation and compliance, maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 and adherence to food safety regulations, MOCA requirements, and GFSI standards.
* Interpret analytical results to support risk assessments, HACCP processes, and strategic decision-making.
* Integrate the laboratory into core business processes, including product development, change management, and food safety validation.
* Manage and develop the laboratory team, defining roles, skills development plans, and fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
* Oversee budget and resources (OPEX & CAPEX), including investments in equipment, consumables, and external services, tracking performance KPIs.
* Drive continuous improvement and innovation, including digitalization (e.g. LIMS, data integrity) and adoption of advanced analytical techniques.
* Manage external stakeholders, including accreditation bodies, auditors, regulatory authorities, and external laboratories.
* Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, or related fields; postgraduate specialization is a plus.
* Consolidated experience in food or MOCA laboratories, including proven management of ISO 17025 accredited labs.
* Strong knowledge of analytical methods (chemical & microbiological), food safety regulations, HACCP, and laboratory quality systems.
* Team leadership, strategic planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement.
* Critical thinking, strong communication skills, technical authority, and a proactive, prevention-oriented mindset.
* Comprehensive welfare package including short working week during summer months
* Hybrid working policy (10 days a month remote working)
* Company restaurant service
* Access to our corporate gym
* A fast paced and dynamic international context
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