Laboratory Manager (Quality Control)

Location: Chennai - Gummidipondi (Onsite)

The Laboratory Manager will lead the Quality Control Laboratory and be responsible for laboratory operations, analytical excellence, food safety compliance, team development, laboratory modernization, cost optimization, and continuous improvement. The role is expected to transform the laboratory into a benchmark facility by implementing world-class analytical practices, automation, digitalization, and internationally recognized standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage testing of Raw Materials, Packaging Materials, In-process Samples, Finished Goods, Water and Environmental Monitoring samples.
• Ensure timely product release through efficient laboratory turnaround times.
• Review and approve analytical results and investigate OOS/OOT results with effective CAPA.
• Maintain GLP, laboratory housekeeping, 5S and data integrity.
• Manage calibration, preventive maintenance and qualification of laboratory instruments.
• Lead microbiology laboratory activities, environmental monitoring and shelf-life studies.
• Maintain SOPs, specifications, validation records, calibration records and laboratory documentation.
• Support FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, GHP, FSSAI and customer audits.

Strategic Leadership & Laboratory Excellence

• Develop and execute a long-term laboratory modernization roadmap.
• Continuously benchmark laboratory practices against leading food manufacturers and NABLaccredited laboratories.
• Identify system gaps, operational lacunas and opportunities for improvement using Lean, Six Sigma and risk-based methodologies.
• Evaluate and implement new analytical technologies, automation solutions and digital tools to improve productivity and analytical accuracy.
• Replace manual methods with validated rapid or automated methods wherever feasible.
• Prepare ROI and business cases for new laboratory equipment and technology investments.
• Drive laboratory cost optimization by reducing reagent, consumable, calibration and outsourced testing costs without compromising quality.
• Increase productivity by optimizing workflows and reducing labour hours through automation and improved methods.
• Lead method development, verification and validation for new analytical techniques.
• Champion implementation of LIMS and laboratory digitalization.
• Lead the laboratory towards future certifications, recognitions and accreditations including NABL (ISO/IEC 17025), GLP and other internationally accepted laboratory standards.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop QC Chemists, Microbiologists and Laboratory Technicians.
• Conduct competency assessments, succession planning and cross-training.

Qualifications

• B.Tech/M.Tech Food Technology, M.Sc. Food Science, Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry or Chemistry.
• Certifications in FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 22000, GLP or Internal Auditor preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in food manufacturing laboratories.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong experience with food chemistry, microbiology and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in spices, seasonings, pickles, ready-to-cook or FMCG food manufacturing preferred.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Candidates currently working in or having prior experience with NABL-accredited food testing laboratories will be strongly preferred.
• Hands-on exposure to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, method validation, uncertainty estimation, proficiency testing and laboratory quality systems.
• Proven track record of laboratory modernization, automation, continuous improvement and cost optimization.
• Strong leadership, analytical thinking, business acumen and stakeholder management skills.