Lead, Product Safety Lab – Valencia (Onsite)

DS Smith Plc; Valencia; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith Plc seeks a Product Safety Laboratory Manager to lead a new Valencia laboratory, providing analytical chemistry testing and technical leadership for R&D and major initiatives. You will manage a team, oversee budgeting, and act as the technical face to clients, shaping findings into actionable recommendations.

Ideal candidate brings senior level expertise in analytical instrumentation (HPLC/GC/ICP), data interpretation, and a strong grasp of food contact regulations within packaging

Qualifications

• MSc in Analytical Chemistry or related fields. PhD advantageous.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation in industrial/R&D/testing environments.
• Strong knowledge of food contact regulations and packaging materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the laboratory and team, managing daily operations, workflows, and resource allocation.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for customers, presenting results and providing commercially relevant recommendations.
• Represent the laboratory during customer visits, audits, and technical reviews.
• Support R&D projects through experimental design, testing, data interpretation, and technical reporting.
• Manage the laboratory budget, purchasing, inventory, and cost control.
• Drive continuous improvement of laboratory methods, processes, and equipment.
• Maintain knowledge of food contact regulations and testing methodologies.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to ensure consistent quality, productivity, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality, and maintenance standards.
• Prepare and review scientific reports, maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

HPLC

GC

ICP

Method development

Validation

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Team leadership

Communication

Education

MSc in Analytical Chemistry

PhD advantageous

Tools

HPLC

GC

ICP

Job description

DS Smith Plc seeks a Product Safety Laboratory Manager to lead a new Valencia laboratory, providing analytical chemistry testing and technical leadership for R&D and major initiatives. You will manage a team, oversee budgeting, and act as the technical face to clients, shaping findings into actionable recommendations.

Ideal candidate brings senior level expertise in analytical instrumentation (HPLC/GC/ICP), data interpretation, and a strong grasp of food contact regulations within packaging