Chief Analyst

corelab; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Laboratories is seeking a Chief Analyst to oversee shift performance and organize all departmental processes. You will coordinate lab staff, ensure timely delivery of reports, and optimize workflow to meet safety and quality standards.

Reporting to Lab Manager and Branch Manager, you will ensure efficient operations, cost control, and compliance with Saybolt and Core Laboratories procedures, while maintaining clear communication with clients and management.

Qualifications

• Minimum chemistry or lab-related degree or 2–3 years of relevant experience.
• Excellent English and local language communication.
• Strong leadership and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lab Manager and Branch Manager in daily duties.
• Organize department processes and staff during shifts.
• Ensure on-time delivery of reports and client satisfaction.
• Operate at low cost while meeting safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate with managers on assignments and safety compliance.
• Coordinate workflow among lab, chemists, and office staff.
• Review reports for completeness and accuracy.
• Provide updates and final reports to clients in a timely manner.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Team-building

Analytical thinking

Organization

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

Chemistry degree

Engineering degree

Laboratory experience

Tools

Connect

Excel

Laboratory systems

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,