NA Regional Lab Capabilities & Innovation Lead

Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Iberica SA.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Workplace flexibility

Professional growth

Diversity & Inclusion

Job summary

Barry Callebaut is seeking a Regional Laboratory Capabilities Lead to drive strategic vision and oversee operational excellence for all NA laboratory functions (Canada, USA, Mexico). You will optimize capabilities, drive process improvements, and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory and EHS standards.

The role demands leadership in audits, cross-functional collaboration, and implementation of systems like SAP, QNECT, OPUS NIR, and LIMS across sites, with travel across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or Food Science
• Hands-on laboratory testing experience
• Experience leading food testing laboratories
• Experience leading external audits
• ISO 17025 Laboratory Management System and Audit Systems preferred
• Willingness to travel regionally (approx. 30–50%)

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute audits of internal and external microbiology and analytical labs per ISO17025, GLP, and internal standards
• Manage CAPA and report audit data; oversee audit program performance
• Develop and implement regional lab strategy aligned with corporate objectives
• Standardize lab processes and optimize workflows across the North America region
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality regulations and lab protocols across labs
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with QA, R&D, Operations and suppliers
• Develop training programs for lab personnel and monitoring KPIs to improve performance
• Lead regional lab projects from conception to delivery and manage budgeting

Skills

Lab management

Audit management

Data analysis

Leadership

Statistical knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science

Tools

SAP

QNECT

OPUS NIR

Rheometer

LIMS

APOLLO

Job description

Barry Callebaut is seeking a Regional Laboratory Capabilities Lead to drive strategic vision and oversee operational excellence for all NA laboratory functions (Canada, USA, Mexico). You will optimize capabilities, drive process improvements, and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory and EHS standards.

The role demands leadership in audits, cross-functional collaboration, and implementation of systems like SAP, QNECT, OPUS NIR, and LIMS across sites, with travel across the