Chemistry Lab Operations Leader - Food Safety Impact

Mérieux NutriSciences; Crete (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Career growth

Job summary

Mérieux NutriSciences is seeking an Operations Manager, Chemistry in Crete, IL to lead safe and compliant food chemistry testing services. You will drive strategic planning, instrument management, and data integrity across laboratories, ensuring regulatory alignment and client satisfaction.

The role emphasizes leadership of chemists, analysts, and supervisors, with responsibility for budgets, KPIs, and continuous improvement in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Science, Biochemistry, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in food chemistry laboratory operations, with at least 4 years in leadership.
• Experience overseeing analytical platforms (e.g., HPLC, GC, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS).
• Proven ability to manage budgets, KPIs, and cross-functional teams in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for food chemistry testing services and align with business goals.
• Oversee daily operations of chemistry departments, ensuring efficient workflow and data quality.
• Lead method validation, transfer, and implementation of new analytical technologies.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and automation initiatives to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Manage workforce planning and performance reviews for chemists and analysts.
• Engage with clients and regulatory bodies, supporting audits and inspections.

Skills

Food chemistry expertise

Leadership

Budget & KPI management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HPLC

GC

GC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

ICP-MS

Titration systems

Job description

Mérieux NutriSciences is seeking an Operations Manager, Chemistry in Crete, IL to lead safe and compliant food chemistry testing services. You will drive strategic planning, instrument management, and data integrity across laboratories, ensuring regulatory alignment and client satisfaction.

The role emphasizes leadership of chemists, analysts, and supervisors, with responsibility for budgets, KPIs, and continuous improvement in a regulated environment.