Assistant Manager - Chemical Testing

Overview

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager, Chemical Testing will oversee and provide direction for daily chemical testing activities involving raw materials, finished products, stability samples, and R&D samples within the QC laboratory, ensuring compliance with cGMP requirements. This role supports the QC Manager in maintaining timely sample testing and release processes to meet the needs of India's R&D and manufacturing operations.

This is a hands-on position requiring strong expertise in food, nutraceutical, and botanical product testing. The Supervisor will identify and implement innovative analytical techniques and laboratory improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. The role is responsible for reviewing test results to ensure accuracy and compliance with Herbalife SOPs, protocols, and quality standards, while maintaining laboratory activities in accordance with cGMP and ISO 17025 requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee testing activities for food, nutraceutical, botanical, manufacturing, stability, and R&D samples according to established schedules.
• Manage annual testing programs and rotational marker testing activities.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with cGMP requirements, SOPs, and approved test methods.
• Support and maintain ISO 17025 accreditation and compliance standards.
• Conduct and review qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical analyses of raw materials, finished products, and stability samples.
• Prepare standards and reagents, and operate advanced analytical instruments, including LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, HPLC, UPLC, FTIR, and UV-Visible Spectrophotometers.
• Review Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for accuracy and compliance, and maintain associated documentation.
• Monitor calibration and preventive maintenance schedules and perform routine instrument calibration and performance verification.
• Lead investigations related to out-of-specification (OOS) results, deviations, and CAPA implementation with minimal supervision.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instruments, analytical methods, and testing processes.
• Identify improvement opportunities and provide technical training and guidance to junior team members.
• Support internal audits, external audits, and regulatory inspections to maintain laboratory compliance.
• Evaluate laboratory personnel on technical competency and adherence to laboratory practices.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to support employee growth and development.
• Plan and oversee training and cross-training programs to ensure adequate testing support and backup coverage.
• Offer technical troubleshooting support and guidance for laboratory testing challenges.
• Ensure instrument qualification activities are completed and calibration schedules are effectively maintained.
• Promote effective communication, collaboration, and a positive laboratory work environment.
• Track and analyze laboratory testing turnaround metrics and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Lead scientific and technological innovation initiatives aimed at improving laboratory efficiency and performance.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while effectively supervising QC laboratory operations.
• Hands-on experience in testing food, nutraceutical, and botanical products, including analytical troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop validation protocols and generate technical reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across culturally diverse teams.
• Adaptability to organizational changes and evolving business requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute effectively within a team environment.

Experience

• 8-10 years of industry experience in nutrient analysis for food, nutritional, herbal, or botanical products, including at least 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience with cGMP and ISO 17025 audits and quality systems.
• Hands-on experience in food or nutraceutical laboratory testing environments.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• GMP training certification.
• Regulatory compliance training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and develop team members.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong customer focus.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or nutraceutical GMP environments.
• Extensive laboratory testing and analytical troubleshooting expertise.
• Experience in analytical method development, verification, validation, and technology transfer.
• Experience delivering technical, compliance, and system-based training programs.