Americas Lab Capabilities Lead

About the role:

Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company that has embraced the vision to delight its customers while out-performing its competitors, a business that is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC's Values, and of course, loving chocolate.

The Regional Laboratory Capabilities Lead is responsible for driving the strategic vision and overseeing the operational excellence of all laboratory functions across the North America region (Canada, USA, Mexico). He/she needs to develop and implement long-term initiatives at optimizing laboratory capabilities, driving process improvements, fostering innovation in testing, analysis and laboratory management while ensuring compliance to food safety, quality, regulatory and EHS standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lab Audits: plan and execute physical audits of internal and external microbiology labs in the region according to audit plan, and subsequently coverage will be extended to analytical labs. Audits should are based on ISO17025 requirements and GLP and BC internal auditing standards.
• Audit Management & CAPA Follow-up: ensure follow-up and closure of audit findings through effective CAPA management, consolidate and report audit data, and maintain overall oversight of the audit program performance
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the regional laboratory strategy aligned with corporate objectives, driving operational efficiency, innovation and continuous improvement across all laboratory functions.
• Laboratory Optimization: Lead initiatives to standardize micro, physical and chemical laboratory processes, optimize workflows and enhance data management systems to ensure consistent and reliable results across the region.
• Lab Quality and Compliance Management: Ensure that all approved laboratories in the region (external and internal) operate in full compliance with industry regulations, safety standards and quality protocols. Establish and lead laboratory audits, global ring tests and performance evaluations. Oversees regular review of corrective action plans to ensure effective implementation across all local laboratories in the region.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, Global Quality, R&D, operations and quality assurance teams to integrate laboratory efforts into broader business strategies and continuous improvement initiatives. Acts as a liaison between laboratory operations and senior leadership, providing updates and recommendations for regional improvements aligned with organizational goals
• Talent Development: Build and align training programmes for laboratory personnel, supporting laboratory managers to ensure high standards of performance, technical expertise and compliance with qualifications and certifications.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and assess lab performance, using data driven insights to drive decision making and improve laboratory operations
• Project Management: Lead regional laboratory projects from conception to implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timely delivery of results.
• Cost Management: Optimize laboratory resource allocation and budgeting, identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency and service quality.
• Power User: Oversee and coordinate implementation of laboratory quality and data management systems such as SAP, QNECT, OPUS NIR, Rheometer, LIMs and APOLLO. This includes guiding the local sites on the initial set up and regular reviews of the system usage by the local sites.
• Subject Matter Expert: Technical expert for microbiological and analytical testing programmes, laboratory safety and maintenance. Provides guidance and support to local sites when additional troubleshooting is required. Leads lab related discussions and provides explanations/statements when there are queries from customers, internal QA and non-QA department that are out of the capability of the local sites.
• Basic statistics: Understand statistics and lab analytics related statistical terms such as Repeatability/reproducibility/Measurement Uncertainty/Variance/etc.
• Promote Quality & Continuous Improvement Culture in Laboratories: Recognize good laboratory practices and personnel. Promote and share good laboratory culture and improvement programmes.
• Innovation and Technology Integration: Champion the adoption of new technologies and methodologies, driving laboratory modernization efforts to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge.

About you:

• Bachelors and/or Master's Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science or equivalent
• Hands on laboratory testing experience.
• Experience in leading and managing food testing laboratories.
• Experience in leading external audits
• Formal training and certification in ISO 17025 Laboratory Management System and Laboratory Audit Systems preferred.
• Strong laboratory management and data analysis skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, analytical ability, leadership strengths and ability to work effectively with a team.
• Willingness to travel within the region on a regular basis (approx. 30%), with flexibility to increase travel up to 50% during initial rollout and peak audit periods.

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

• Competitive salary ($110 - $125K based on experience and geographic location) and comprehensive benefits package

• Paid time off, plus generous holiday time

• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility

• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women's Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!

• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth

• Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.