Laboratory Manager, Contaminants

Overview

Our Client is a leading independent ISO 17025 accredited contract laboratory in West Africa , recognized as a regional reference center with specialization in water contamination testing and pesticide residue analysis . The laboratory supports both local and multinational companies across food, agriculture, cosmetics, environmental , and related sectors, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with international supply chain standards. Their impartial testing, validation, and consulting services are critical to regulatory acceptance and to meeting the corporate social responsibility commitments of their clients.

Position: Laboratory Manager, Contaminants & Pesticides (Permanent)

Location: Ivory Coast (West Africa)

The Laboratory Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to contaminant and pesticide testing , safeguard compliance with international standards, and drive operational excellence through scientific rigor, robust method validation, and consistent equipment reliability . The role combines scientific authority with hands-on formulation control and strategic resource optimization , ensuring that analytical operations remain efficient, reliable, and ISO 17025-compliant . The successful candidate will manage and inspire a high-performing team, oversee technical direction and quality assurance, and uphold the laboratory’s reputation for accuracy, reliability, and customer trust across diverse industry sectors.

• Master’s degree (equivalent to min. five years of university education , including a Bachelor’s degree) in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in Technical Direction and Quality Management under ISO 17025 , with demonstrated leadership (Not Individual Contributor) responsibility in managing and developing teams (8+ staff), setting performance objectives/KPIs , and driving continuous improvement through training, mentoring, and CAPA implementation.
• Proven expertise in Pesticide Residue Analysis , using advanced LC and GC platforms (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, HPLC, GC-FID/ECD, Headspace GC-MS/MS) for multi-residue detection in food and environmental matrices (polar and non-polar compounds).
• Comprehensive knowledge of Metrology and Method Validation, including LOD/LOQ determination, accuracy, precision, linearity, recovery, robustness, and uncertainty estimation in accordance with GUM guidelines .
• Strong experience in Equipment Reliability Management , including preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and requalification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of LC/GC/MS and FT-IR/NIR systems .
• Proficiency in Resource Optimization and Data Integrity Management , including cost control per sample, inventory management (columns, solvents, CRM/standards) , use of LIMS for traceability , and adherence to ALCOA+ and HSE standards .
• Experience in Formulation Control , including analysis of active ingredients, impurities, solvents, and co-formulants to ensure compliance with regulatory specifications.
• Proficiency in FT-IR and FT-NIR spectroscopy for compound identification, screening, and batch release, including use of spectral libraries and chemometric tools.
• Experience in broader contaminant testing, including fatty acids, vitamins, mycotoxins (LC-MS/MS), and heavy metals (ICP-OES/ICP-MS) , with exposure to DoE and chemometric analysis (PCA/PLS) .
• Client-facing experience , ensuring report accuracy, turnaround time (TAT) compliance, and providing technical input for service proposals and client discussions .

This position is ideal for a scientifically accomplished laboratory leader with hands-on expertise in pesticide and contaminant analysis who thrives in a technically rigorous, ISO 17025-compliant environment . The role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing analytical team, contribute to regional food and environmental safety, and engage directly with local and multinational clients committed to sustainable and compliant supply chains.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted .

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Science and Management

• Research Services

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