Chief Analyst

Saybolt Eña S.a.; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Saybolt Eña S.a. seeks a Chief Analyst to lead shift operations, organize departmental workflows, and ensure timely and accurate laboratory reports. You will coordinate with management, chemists, and staff to minimize costs while meeting safety and quality standards.

You will apply ASTM/IP-like standards, maintain compliant records, and support client needs with effective communication. English proficiency is essential; local language skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Education in chemistry or engineering or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Ability to lead and coordinate laboratory teams and processes.
• Strong written and spoken English; local language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shift operations and ensure timely, accurate laboratory reports.
• Coordinate workflow among laboratory staff, chemists, and office personnel.
• Follow Saybolt and Core Laboratories procedures, ensuring safety and quality.
• Monitor timelines, report progress to clients, and support KPI delivery.
• Prepare and deliver training to local and international clients when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Education

Chemistry or Engineering degree

Tools

Connect

Excel

Laboratory software

Job description

SUMMARY

Responsible for performance and organization during the shift. May accept laboratory analyses and related assignments, when required, and ensure the timely delivery of laboratory reports by coordinating and managing the complete workflow.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief Analyst shall assist the Laboratory Manager and/or Branch Manager in carrying out their responsibilities at the location. The Chief Analyst is responsible for the efficient organization of all departmental processes and personnel at the location during the shift and, when necessary, to ensure that client needs are met accurately and on time. The Chief Analyst is responsible for running operations at the lowest possible cost while meeting requirements for safety, service quality, employee satisfaction, and asset maintenance. The Chief Analyst must ensure full cooperation with the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and all other managers on all assignments. The Chief Analyst must follow all company procedures established by Saybolt and Core Laboratories, including, but not limited to, the HSE Manual, Accounting Policies & Procedures, Saybolt Administration Instruction Letter, IT procedures, Ethics Policy, and Saybolt Compliance Code. The Chief Analyst must remain informed of all updates and act accordingly. The Chief Analyst reports directly to the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, and/or Branch Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Minimum professional qualification related to chemistry or laboratory work and/or a university degree in Chemistry or Engineering; or 2-3 years of relevant customer service or laboratory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Educational skills Knowledge of petrochemical products, chemicals, gases, other liquid cargoes, and/or agricultural products. Excellent verbal and written command of the local language and English. Advanced computer skills (MS Windows, Word, Excel, and company systems). Social skills Leadership ability, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and team-building skills. Mental mindset Highly organized, positive, analytical, and solution-oriented.

COMPETENCIES

Excellent command of working tools, including Connect, Excel spreadsheets, and other relevant systems. Communicates information and reports to clients with a degree of autonomy, under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, or Branch Manager. Coordinates team activities and is capable of organizing the chemists' work while maintaining excellent communication with managers. Ensures that location staff carry out activities in accordance with individual client instructions, international test methods, Saybolt Standard Procedures, the Global Safety Manual, risk assessments, local standards and safety rules, and Core Laboratories/Saybolt company policies. Monitors timelines, communicates progress to clients (e.g., in the event of delays or incidents), and intervenes when necessary. May accept laboratory analyses and related assignments, when required, and ensures the timely delivery of laboratory reports by coordinating and managing the complete workflow among the laboratory, chemists, and office staff. Reviews laboratory reports and forms for completeness, appropriateness, and accuracy. Provides updates and final reports to clients in a timely manner to meet company KPIs. May schedule and participate in safety meetings, investigate accidents, and continuously emphasize safety to all laboratory personnel. Assists the Laboratory Manager in reviewing and approving chemists' expenses, time records, incentives, and other items related to laboratory activities. In collaboration with the local Safety Officer, ensures that all employees follow safety instructions and that premises, equipment and processes comply with the HSE Manual and local safety regulations. Ensures compliance with IATA requirements for the transportation of samples by air. All complaints and claims shall be communicated immediately to the Branch Manager and management. The Chief Analyst shall participate in regular meetings with all staff, including the management team, to share information and discuss relevant matters as appropriate. The Chief Analyst may be asked at any time to prepare and deliver training presentations for both local and international clients. Has a working knowledge of analytical and safety standards in English, including ASTM, UOP, IP, and other established analytical standards and procedures used in the laboratory. Assists in the setup and implementation of methods and additional applications to maximize capabilities at the location. Has completed classroom training and passed the appropriate examinations for managing laboratory operations. Understands and is able to complete laboratory raw data sheets and make accurate entries into Saybolt’s laboratory computer programs. Is able to perform and maintain laboratory procedures, equipment calibrations, control charts, documentation, and records in full compliance with the quality assurance program outlined in Saybolt’s quality manuals and compliance program. Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations and ensure the traceability of analytical test results (e.g., blending calculations, rates, ratios, percentages, and linear, volumetric, or weight quantities).

OTHER INFORMATION

The company may assign other duties at any time as deemed necessary. Treats sensitive information as strictly confidential. A valid driving license is required. Depending on the location, the employee may be required to work irregular hours or shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and scheduled days off. Must be prepared to accept job assignments at any time, including on scheduled days off. Participation in the rotation of after-hours dispatching activities may be required based on business needs. Must be willing and able to perform analytical work as requested, safely and in accordance with applicable standards. Must be able to work in the laboratory.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee may also be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Core Laboratories

Core Laboratories, including all of its affiliated and related entities, is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Employment decisions are made regardless of characteristics including, but not limited to, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, religion, genetic information, protected veteran or uniformed service member status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Core Laboratories is the Reservoir Optimization Company Core Laboratories Inc. is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products used to optimize petroleum reservoir performance. The Company has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and is located in every major oil-producing province in the world. We are well-positioned to serve the growing needs of the energy transition while continuing to fulfill the demand for reliable and affordable energy sources like crude oil and natural gas. Our services, products, expertise, and innovations will continue to be essential as our clients meet the growing demand for energy globally. At Core Lab, our values matter: Safety, Honesty and Integrity, Customer Focus, Building Trust, and Employee Development. We regard our employees as our greatest asset. We believe that identifying, attracting, developing, and retaining talent are significant actions because our people are so important.