Department Head - Chemistry - Eurofins Experchem Laboratories, Inc.

Company Description

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 works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies.

In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

In 2024, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.515 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Job Description

The Department Head at Chemistry Laboratory is responsible for overseeing and leading all technical and daily activities, ensuring quality and efficiency in sample analysis, and driving the growth and reputation of the laboratory. This role involves managing personnel, maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations, and optimizing laboratory operations. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience in the Testing Laboratory field and be well-versed in Food, Natural Health Product and Cannabis testing requirements.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Personnel Management:
• Supervise, lead, hire and mentor Chemistry laboratory personnel.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for direct reporting personnel.
• Develop and administer training programs to enhance staff proficiency.
• Quality and Compliance:
• Design and implement quality measures in accordance with GMP and ISO/IEC 17025, regulatory standards, and client expectations.
• Ensure all regulatory procedures are followed and documented accurately.
• Manage health, safety, and environmental programs, and maintain related documentation.
• Investigate and address non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• Technical Leadership:
• Lead the technical conduct, quality control, and record-keeping of analytical evaluations.
• Stay current with industry advancements and technologies to enhance the quality of service.
• Provide technical support for laboratory equipment and maintain equipment inventory.
• Strategic Planning:
• Develop strategic business plans for department growth and enhancing the laboratory's reputation.
• Represent the laboratory in technical meetings.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase efficiency, maintain quality, and ensure continuous improvement of policies, systems, and procedures. 
• Operational Efficiency:
• Ensure sample turnaround time goals and Key Performance Indicators are met.
• Experienced change agent
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Oversee sample preparation, data review, and interpretation.
• Manage resource allocation to meet client due dates efficiently.
• Supervise, lead, hire and mentor Chemistry laboratory personnel.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for direct reporting personnel.
• Develop and administer training programs to enhance staff proficiency.
• Design and implement quality measures in accordance with GMP and ISO/IEC 17025, regulatory standards, and client expectations.
• Ensure all regulatory procedures are followed and documented accurately.
• Manage health, safety, and environmental programs, and maintain related documentation.
• Investigate and address non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• Lead the technical conduct, quality control, and record-keeping of analytical evaluations.
• Stay current with industry advancements and technologies to enhance the quality of service.
• Provide technical support for laboratory equipment and maintain equipment inventory.
• Develop strategic business plans for department growth and enhancing the laboratory's reputation.
• Represent the laboratory in technical meetings.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase efficiency, maintain quality, and ensure continuous improvement of policies, systems, and procedures. 
• Ensure sample turnaround time goals and Key Performance Indicators are met.
• Experienced change agent
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Oversee sample preparation, data review, and interpretation.
• Manage resource allocation to meet client due dates efficiently.

1. Documentation and SOPs:

Other Responsibilities:

• Lead Chemistry supervisor(s) and manager(s)
• Responsible for driving cost reduction and sustainability through continuous improvement methodologies.
• Resolve critical issues in a time-sensitive manner, ensuring maximum uptime for operations.
• You will develop and implement strategies to increase efficiency, maintain quality, and ensure continuous improvement of policies, systems, and procedures.
• Guide the Research and Development and Quality Control teams to perform sample analysis as per established laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in troubleshooting problem assays.
• Direct sample logging and handling activities for accuracy and efficiency.
• Verify in-house and subcontracted results for accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Review job applications, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions for direct reporting positions.
• Manage laboratory equipment and consumables inventory and oversee supply procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Science, or related fields; a graduate degree is a strong asset.
• Extensive knowledge of analytical testing and instrumentation.
• 10+ years of experience in a Testing Laboratory.
• 5 to 10 years of supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of the Testing Industry.
• Familiarity with ISO17025, and cGMP standards.
• Active participation in professional associations.

Additional Qualifications:

• Fluent in English; bilingualism is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office and working knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Ability to work independently and in a team-based environment.
• Proactive, self-disciplined, and goal-oriented approach.
• High level of professionalism, maturity, and discretion with confidential matters.
• Ability to multitask and remain composed under pressure.

Working Conditions: The primary responsibilities for this role involve working in a laboratory environment. On occasion, there may be a need to lift objects. Proper handling of hazardous materials is essential, following established safety procedures and wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, there may be a need for extra hours, occasional weekend work, and evenings as necessary.

Application Process:

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about leading a dynamic team in the testing industry, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to considering your application and welcoming a dedicated Laboratory Manager to our team.

Additional Information

At Eurofins we offer excellent full-time benefits including health & dental coverage, life and disability insurance, RRSP with 3% company match, paid holidays, paid time off.

Accommodation: Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request via the website at www.eurofins.ca.

As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received international recognition as a great place to work. To learn more about Eurofins, please explore our website at www.eurofins.ca

We thank all applicants within commuting distance of GTA, Ontario for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This posting is supported by AI technology to assist in screening candidates and resumes.

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