Head - Operational Transformation : Food Testing Lab

Job Description

The role will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operations of the Food testing Lab, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of processes, product testing, and innovation initiatives. This leadership role will involve managing a dynamic team, coordinating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards while driving innovation in food science and technology.

Key Responsibilities

1. LIMS Implementation & Digital Transformation

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) across all food testing facilities.
• Drive data standardization, automation of workflows, and integration with customer portals and regulatory databases.
• Ensure user adoption through effective training, change management, and ongoing support.
• Monitor LIMS performance and leverage analytics for productivity and decision making.

2. Operational Excellence & Lean Management

• Deploy Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize turnaround time (TAT), reduce wastage, and enhance accuracy.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement best practices across all labs and align SOPs with ISO/IEC 17025 and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a culture of problem-solving, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

3. Technical & Manpower Excellence

• Oversee all technical operations ensuring highest standards in testing accuracy, validation, and compliance.
• Plan and execute capability building for technical teams, including cross-training, certification, and performance development.
• Anticipate manpower needs and develop recruitment, retention, and succession planning strategies.
• Ensure timely calibration, maintenance, and upgrading of laboratory equipment and infrastructure.

4. Techno-Commercial Leadership

• Work closely with sales and business development teams to identify opportunities, support client acquisition, and develop technical-commercial proposals.
• Engage directly with key customers to understand requirements, resolve escalations, and enhance value-added services.
• Analyse market trends, competitor offerings, and pricing models to support strategic decisions.
• Drive profitability through optimal resource allocation, cost control, and capacity utilization.

5. Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations, accreditation standards, and internal quality management systems.
• Implement robust internal audit and corrective action processes.
• Promote EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) standards across all sites.

6. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Oversee the analysis of laboratory results, ensuring that data is accurately interpreted and presented in clear, comprehensive reports for clients.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to clients based on test results. Prepare and deliver regular internal reports on lab performance and activities.

7. Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting

• Proactively identify and address operational challenges, such as equipment failures, supply shortages, or procedural discrepancies, minimizing disruption to lab activities.
• Implement solutions that ensure continued efficiency and maintain the quality of testing operations.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform any other tasks as assigned by management, particularly in situations of urgency or unforeseen circumstances, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to operational leadership.

Qualification : Masters degree in food science / Chemistry. Proven experience in a food laboratory environment with a focus on technical operations and governance. Experience on laboratory NABL accreditation ISO17025:2017 and other food governing agency recognitions viz., APEDA, EIC, FSSAI and AGMARK.

If interested, please share profile on nilesh.kadam@geochem.net.in or for any more information call on 9870476784

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