Analytical Chemistry, Manager

Title: Manager, Analytical Sciences

Location: West Coast, USA (requires relocation)

Experience: CDMO

Role Summary

This position provides leadership for an analytical sciences group responsible for delivering reliable data, maintaining laboratory operations, and supporting organizational objectives. The role combines people leadership, technical oversight, and operational management, with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

The Manager ensures that analytical activities are executed efficiently, documentation is maintained to required standards, and team members are supported in their professional growth. This role works closely with cross‑functional partners to align laboratory priorities with broader business needs.

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and support a team of scientists and technical staff.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a respectful, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Identify skill gaps and implement development plans to strengthen team capabilities.

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee daily laboratory activities to ensure timely and accurate completion of work.
• Monitor workload, resource utilization, and staffing needs.
• Establish and track performance indicators to support operational effectiveness.
• Support budget planning and responsible use of departmental resources.

Technical Oversight

• Provide subject‑matter guidance on analytical methods, data interpretation, and technical problem solving.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and data summaries.
• Guide the investigation and resolution of atypical results or process issues.
• Apply statistical and scientific tools to evaluate trends and improve data quality.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and support maintenance or repair activities as needed.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure procedures, records, and reports are accurate, current, and complete.
• Promote good documentation practices and data integrity.
• Maintain training records and ensure required qualifications are current.
• Interpret internal policies and external requirements to support compliant laboratory operations.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, systems, and processes.
• Lead or contribute to improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reliability, or safety.
• Encourage innovative thinking and proactive problem solving.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding priorities, progress, and outcomes.
• Translate technical information into clear written and verbal updates.
• Support alignment between laboratory activities and organizational goals.

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in an analytical, scientific, or quality‑focused laboratory environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience leading or supervising others.

Preferred

• Advanced experience managing laboratory teams or functions.
• Background working in regulated or standards‑driven environments.

Skills & Competencies

Technical & Analytical

• Strong analytical reasoning and problem‑solving skills.
• Broad familiarity with common laboratory instrumentation and techniques.
• Ability to analyze data, recognize patterns, and draw sound conclusions.

Leadership & Professional

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Balances technical depth with practical decision‑making.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail with the ability to step back and see broader trends.

Communication & Systems

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with standard office and data‑management software.
• Able to present information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Physical & Environmental Considerations

• Work may involve a combination of desk-based and laboratory activities.
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform manual tasks associated with laboratory work.
• Occasional lifting and movement of materials may be required.
• Use of laboratory equipment, tools, and computers is an essential function of the role.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of background screening.
• Participation in health, safety, and training programs as required for the role.