Laboratory Manager - Process R&D

About the role

IFF, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences, is looking for a Laboratory Manager for its Process R&D laboratories in Benicarló, Spain. This is an onsite role leading day-to-day operations so that the labs remain safe, organized and productive.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the Process R&D laboratories and ensure a safe, organized and productive environment.
• Optimize lab organization, space use, reagent management and inventory control to support experiments.
• Ensure availability of supplies, shared services and resources for R&D.
• Manage equipment through its lifecycle: procurement, installation, commissioning, calibration, maintenance and upgrades.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, Purchasing, IT, suppliers and lab users.
• Oversee safety practices, documentation, risk assessments and compliance with standards.
• Support onboarding and training of new users and promote safe working behavior.
• Drive continuous improvement on productivity, sustainability, reliability and cost efficiency.
• Maintain records, procedures and operational documentation.

Required profile

• University degree or advanced vocational qualification in Chemistry, Laboratory Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Analysis & Quality Control or a related field.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, equipment, facilities or technical activities in an industrial or R&D setting.
• Knowledge of lab safety, chemical management, risk assessment and documentation standards.
• Experience purchasing, installing, commissioning and maintaining lab equipment.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders such as EHS, Engineering, Maintenance, Purchasing, IT and suppliers.
• Functional English for communication with suppliers and regional or global stakeholders.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Experience with inventory management, task tracking and record-keeping tools.
• Strong organization and multitasking, with leadership and problem-solving abilities.