Lab Manager

Kuwait International Laboratory (LABCO); Kuwait City; On-site; KWD 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory in Kuwait is seeking a Chemistry Lab Manager to oversee laboratory operations and quality control. This role demands a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and regulatory knowledge to maintain high standards in chemical testing and compliance, with a focus on staff development and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Lab Manager and/or Quality Control Manager.
• 15+ years of extensive experience in Technical Fields including chemical and environmental testing.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations ensuring compliance with safety and quality protocols.
• Implement quality management systems and manage laboratory budgets.
• Supervise and train laboratory personnel.

Skills

Technical Field Experience

Compliance Knowledge

Leadership

Quality Control

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related fields

Tools

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

GC-FID/MS

ICP-OES/MS

HPLC

UPLC

UV-Vis

FTIR

Job description

TheChemistry Lab Managerwill oversee the overall operation, safety, and quality of its laboratory activities. This pivotal role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, exceptional managerial skills, and comprehensive regulatory knowledge.

Your Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Operations Management:
• Oversee daily laboratory activities, ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; coordinate repairs and manage inventory of chemicals and consumables.
• Schedule laboratory activities and effectively assign work to staff.
• Ensure accurate documentation and maintain a robust chain of custody for all samples.
• Manage laboratory budgets and spending accounts.
• Quality Control and Assurance:
• Implement and continuously monitor quality management systems (e.g., ISO, GMP, GLP).
• Review and approve test reports, identify errors, and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Staff Management and Training:
• Supervise, train, and mentor laboratory personnel; conduct performance evaluations and foster team development.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels, manage hiring processes, and assign tasks efficiently.
• Cultivate a collaborative and safe work environment.
• Safety and Compliance:
• Develop, enforce, and regularly review comprehensive laboratory safety protocols.
• Ensure unwavering compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Prepare for and actively participate in internal and external audits.
• Technical and Analytical Duties:
• Conduct or oversee various laboratory tests, meticulously analyze data, and prepare detailed reports.
• Develop new testing methods and effectively troubleshoot technical issues.
• Stay up-to-date with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO) and consistently implement best practices.
• Client and Stakeholder Communication:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including clients and regulatory bodies.
• Address client inquiries and complaints, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Geology, or other related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Lab Manager and/or Quality Control Manager
• Plus 15 years of extensive experience in the Technical Field (Chemical, Environmental water and wastewater, soil, oil, gas, Asphalt, and material testing)

Technical Expertise:

• Hands-on experience with GC-FID/MS, ICP-OES/MS, HPLC, UPLC, UV-Vis, FTIR, and other general laboratory instrumentation
• Familiarity with method testing and SOPs for water and wastewater, soil, oil, gas, and food testing as per ISO 17025
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (spreadsheets, word processing, presentations) and other relevant computer systems
• Familiarity with ISO-17025 protocols and workflow
• Experience in a specialized chemistry field (e.g., polymer, analytical, environmental, or biochemistry labs).
• Experience with laboratory accreditation processes and audits.

Your Competencies:

• Proficiency in both spoken and written English and Arabic
• Capable of handling multiple assignments and projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Quality and Results focused
• Proficiency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)