Group Leader - Analytical Chemistry

AMVAC U.S.; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision care

401(k) retirement savings plan

Employee stock purchasing plan

Job summary

AMVAC U.S. in Commerce, California seeks a Group Leader for Analytical Sciences. This role demands a Ph.D. in Chemistry and extensive experience in analytical methodologies. The successful candidate will lead a team, innovate analytical capabilities, and oversee compliance with regulatory standards.

In this position, you will drive the development and application of sophisticated analytical methods within a collaborative environment focused on scientific excellence and operational performance. This role offers industry-leading benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in analytical sciences.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in lab operations.
• Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists in analytical methodologies.
• Drive innovation in analytical capabilities.
• Oversee the design and optimization of analytical methods.

Skills

Chromatography

Mass Spectrometry

Spectroscopy

Leadership

Analytical Problem Solving

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

GC

LC-MS/MS

Job description

The Group Leader – Analytical Sciences provides strategic and functional leadership for the Analytical Sciences organization at American Vanguard. This role serves as the company’s senior analytical chemistry expert, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership to advance scientific excellence, operational performance, and global regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle.

The successful candidate will lead a high‑performing team responsible for the development, validation, and application of sophisticated analytical methodologies supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory initiatives. This leader will drive innovation in analytical capabilities, oversee complex problem solving and technical decision‑making, and ensure the highest standards of data integrity, laboratory compliance, and scientific rigor.

As a key cross‑functional partner, the Group Leader will collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to translate complex analytical findings into strategic business solutions that support product development, commercialization, and regulatory defense. The role also champions continuous improvement, laboratory modernization, and the development of scientific talent to strengthen organizational capability and long‑term business success.

AMVAC®, an American Vanguard company, has successfully served the results‑driven global markets through the development, manufacturing, and marketing of products for agricultural and commercial use. At American Vanguard, we believe in growth, innovation, and opportunity. We understand that a successful business is built on the strength of its people, which is why we are dedicated to nurturing talent, fueling success, and cultivating potential. This position is on‑site at our Research & Development Center in Commerce, California.

Key Responsibilities

• Functional & Technical Leadership: Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees. Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Laboratory Strategy & Innovation: Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and throughput.
• Regulatory & GLP Excellence: Supervise the preparation and technical review of analytical data packages for global regulatory submissions (EPA, OECD). Ensure the lab maintains strict adherence to GLP and internal quality protocols.
• Cross‑Functional Integration: Translate complex chemical findings into strategic business recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory compliance teams.
• Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross‑functional team needs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and strategic oversight across the enterprise.
• Strategic Method Development: Oversee the design and optimization of complex analytical methods (e.g., impurity profiling, structural elucidation, and trace analysis) using state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, GC‑MS/MS, LC‑MS/MS, and spectroscopy.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non‑routine data for active ingredients and formulated products.
• Resource & Project Management: Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy.
• Staying Informed: Keep up to date with industry trends, scientific advancements, and compliance with all regulatory, EH&S requirements.

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or a closely related scientific discipline.

Experience Requirements

• 10 years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, or Specialty Chemical industry.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership; proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations.
• Advanced Instrumentation Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy, including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
• Regulatory Fluency: Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration.
• Analytical Problem Solving: History of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non‑conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis.
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks.
• Excellent skills in leadership, project management, effective delegation, and budget management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.
• Must pass post‑offer background check and other appropriate tests as required.

Professional Characteristics

• Mentorship‑Focused: Dedicated to nurturing talent and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders within AMVAC.
• Scientific Visionary: Ability to look beyond daily tasks to see how analytical excellence drives broader business strategy.
• Cultural Integration: Integrates diverse perspectives and practices into a cohesive team culture that supports the overall business strategy of AMVAC.
• Effective Communicator: Maintains open communication and collaboration across departments, fostering a unified approach to achieving development and corporate goals.
• Adaptability and Learning Agility: Thrives in a dynamic environment, adapts quickly to changes, and makes informed decisions amid ambiguity to maintain project momentum.
• Decision‑Making: Demonstrates agility in decision‑making and the ability to pivot strategies when necessary to achieve project goals.
• Strong Communication and Organizational Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong organizational abilities to work on complex projects and stakeholder interactions effectively.

This Position Includes

• Industry‑leading medical, dental, and vision care; life and disability insurance; health savings account (HSA)/flexible spending account (FSA); 401(k) retirement savings plan; and employee stock purchasing plan.

American Vanguard is an equal‑opportunity employer and values diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Must be authorized to work in the U.S.A. without sponsorship.

American Vanguard Company (NYSE: AVD)