Customer Service Manager

Als; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS Food Testing Laboratory is seeking a Customer Service Manager in Bangalore to lead the full customer journey, coordinate sample submission and testing, and ensure timely reporting and invoicing. You will mentor the service team and align with sales, lab and finance to optimize outcomes.

The role requires strong communication, process discipline, and a customer-first mindset to drive satisfaction and efficiency across laboratories and customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related discipline is required.
• Experience in customer service, laboratory coordination or a similar environment is preferred.
• Experience preparing quotations and managing purchase orders is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end customer support from enquiry to invoice.
• Coordinate sample registration, testing workflow and reporting.
• Collaborate with sales, laboratory and finance to ensure timely, accurate responses.

Skills

Customer-service

Communication

Coordination

Prioritisation

Multitasking

Problem solving

Escalation management

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Science or Business-related field

Tools

LIMS

CRM

Excel

Outlook

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.Customer Service ManagerDepartment: Food Testing LaboratoryLocation: BangaloreReports to: Sales DirectorEmployment Type: Full-time1. Position SummaryThe Customer Service Manager will lead the customer service function for the ALS Food Testing Laboratory and will be responsible for managing the complete customer journey—from enquiry and quotation through sample receipt, registration, testing coordination, reporting and invoice sharing.The role will serve as the primary coordination point between clients, sales, laboratory teams, finance and other internal stakeholders. The position will ensure timely communication, effective follow-up, resolution of customer queries and smooth movement of samples through the laboratory workflow.The Customer Service Manager will also lead, train and mentor the customer service team to improve operational efficiency, responsiveness and overall customer satisfaction.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. End-to-End Customer SupportManage customer requirements from initial enquiry through completion of testing and invoice submission.Act as the key point of contact for clients regarding:Sample submission requirementsTest scope and service detailsSample statusTurnaround timeTest reportsInvoicing and commercial documentationEnsure customers receive timely, accurate and professional responses.Monitor customer requests and ensure appropriate follow-up until closure.Maintain clear records of all client communications and commitments.B. Sample Registration and Workflow CoordinationCoordinate the complete sample registration process, including:Receipt and verification of samplesSample details and documentationChain-of-custody requirementsTests requestedSpecial instructionsSample condition and quantityEnsure samples are registered accurately and promptly in the laboratory information management system or applicable internal system.Follow up on missing information, documentation, approvals or payment requirements.Monitor samples placed on hold and coordinate with clients and laboratory teams to clear them at the earliest opportunity.Track sample progress from receipt through testing, technical review and report release.Identify delays or workflow issues and escalate them to the appropriate stakeholders.C. Coordination with Laboratory TeamsLiaise closely with laboratory teams to ensure testing is initiated and completed within the agreed turnaround time.Follow up on pending analyses, technical clarifications, deviations and delayed results.Coordinate responses to customer queries requiring laboratory or technical input.Ensure client-specific requirements and special instructions are communicated accurately to the relevant laboratory personnel.Support the laboratory in obtaining missing information or clarifications required to proceed with testing.Escalate recurring operational issues and recommend corrective actions.D. Coordination with Sales and Commercial TeamsWork closely with the sales team to ensure a smooth transition from enquiry to order execution.Support sales colleagues with customer information, test requirements, sample status and operational updates.Prepare and issue quotations based on client requirements, approved price lists and laboratory capabilities.Coordinate with the laboratory and technical teams for non-routine or customised testing requirements.Follow up with clients for quotation acceptance and purchase orders.Ensure purchase orders are received on time and are aligned with the agreed quotation and scope of work.Highlight potential commercial opportunities, additional testing requirements and scope expansion opportunities to the sales team.E. Customer Enquiries and Business Development SupportRespond to new enquiries and coordinate internally to provide timely quotations and technical information.Follow up with existing clients regarding upcoming testing requirements, repeat samples and new projects.Proactively contact customers to understand their satisfaction, future needs and potential testing opportunities.Capture and communicate customer feedback to management, sales and laboratory teams.Identify opportunities for cross-selling and additional services, while ensuring that technical recommendations are appropriately validated.Maintain strong and professional relationships with key customers.F. Test Reports and InvoicingCoordinate the timely release and sharing of approved test reports with clients.Ensure reports are sent to the correct recipients and in accordance with client-specific requirements.Coordinate report revisions, clarifications and amendments with the relevant laboratory or quality personnel.Share invoices and related commercial documents with clients in a timely manner.Follow up on billing information, invoice queries and supporting documentation.Coordinate with finance and sales teams to resolve invoice-related issues.G. Team Management and DevelopmentLead and manage the customer service team responsible for:Sample registrationQuotation preparationClient communicationSample follow-upReport sharingInvoice coordinationHold-sample clearanceCustomer query managementAllocate work effectively and monitor individual and team performance.Establish clear processes, responsibilities and service-level expectations.Train and mentor team members on:Customer communicationLaboratory workflowsSample registrationQuotation preparationUse of internal systemsEscalation proceduresDocumentation and data accuracyConduct regular reviews, coaching sessions and knowledge-sharing activities.Identify training needs and support the professional development of team members.Promote a customer-focused, collaborative and accountable work culture.Ensure adequate backup and continuity for critical customer service activities.H. Quality, Compliance and Process ImprovementEnsure customer service activities comply with ALS procedures, quality requirements and applicable laboratory accreditation standards.Maintain accurate and complete records relating to samples, quotations, purchase orders, customer communications and reports.Support the investigation and resolution of customer complaints and service deviations.Participate in corrective and preventive action activities where required.Monitor recurring customer service issues and identify opportunities for process improvement.Develop and maintain work instructions, checklists, templates and service trackers.Support internal audits and management reviews when required.Promote a culture of accuracy, confidentiality and continuous improvement.3. Key Performance IndicatorsThe performance of the Customer Service Manager may be measured against:Customer satisfaction and feedback scoresResponse time to customer enquiriesQuotation turnaround timePurchase order follow-up and conversionSample registration accuracy and turnaround timeNumber and ageing of samples on holdOn-time report releaseOn-time invoice sharingResolution time for customer queries and complaintsAdherence to agreed turnaround timesReduction in registration, quotation and communication errorsRepeat business and additional testing opportunitiesTeam productivity and performanceCompletion of team training and competency development4. Required Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Business Administration or a related discipline.Experience in customer service, laboratory coordination, food testing, environmental testing, technical services or a similar customer-facing laboratory environment.Previous experience managing or supervising a customer service, sample coordination or laboratory support team.Understanding of laboratory workflows, sample registration and test-reporting processes.Experience in preparing quotations and managing purchase orders is preferred.Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System or similar business system is desirable.Knowledge of food testing services, laboratory terminology and testing requirements will be an advantage.Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory environment is preferred.5. Required Skills and CompetenciesStrong customer-service orientationExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong coordination and follow-up abilitiesGood understanding of prioritisation and task managementAbility to manage multiple customers, samples and deadlines simultaneouslyStrong problem-solving and escalation-management skillsGood commercial awarenessAccuracy and attention to detailAbility to interpret customer requirements and communicate them clearly to technical teamsProficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and OutlookExperience with CRM, LIMS or sample-management systemsAbility to lead, coach and motivate a teamProfessional, responsive and solution-oriented approachAbility to work effectively under pressureHigh level of confidentiality and integrity6. Key RelationshipsThe Customer Service Manager will work closely with:Clients and customer representativesSales and business development teamsLaboratory and technical teamsSample receiving and registration personnelQuality assurance and quality control teamsFinance and credit-control teamsOperations and management teams7. Expected Behavioural AttributesThe successful candidate should:Take ownership of customer requirements from initiation to closure.Demonstrate a proactive approach to follow-up and issue resolution.Build trust through timely, accurate and transparent communication.Remain calm and professional when managing urgent or complex customer requirements.Encourage teamwork and collaboration across departments.Focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.Balance customer needs with laboratory capabilities, quality requirements and commercial controls.Role ObjectiveTo deliver a responsive, accurate and seamless customer experience by effectively coordinating customers, sales, laboratory operations and finance, while leading a high-performing customer service team and continuously improving service quality.Working at ALSThe ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.Everyone MattersALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.EligibilityTo be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.How to applyPlease apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.