Manager NABL Lab

Laboratory Management & NABL Compliance (40%)

•        Establish and maintain NABL ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory from inception to successful accreditation

•        Develop and implement Quality Manual, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and analytical methods as per NABL requirements

•        Manage laboratory audits (internal, external, NABL surveillance, and customer audits) and ensure successful closure of non-conformances

•        Maintain meticulous laboratory records, calibration schedules, and documentation systems in compliance with NABL standards

•        Lead Management Review Meetings and coordinate with NABL assessors during accreditation and surveillance audits

•        Ensure laboratory participates in Proficiency Testing Programs (PT/ILC) and maintains satisfactory performance

•        Implement and maintain measurement uncertainty calculations for all accredited test parameters

•        Manage laboratory equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and validation protocols

Analytical Testing & Quality Control (30%)

•        Oversee comprehensive analytical testing of raw materials (rice, water, chemicals), in-process samples, and finished products (native starch, rice protein, gluten)

•        Ensure timely and accurate analysis for physicochemical parameters including moisture, protein, ash, pH, viscosity, whiteness, particle size, and starch purity

•        Manage microbiological testing programs including total plate count, yeast & mold, coliforms, E.coli, Salmonella, and pathogen screening

•        Supervise chromatographic analysis (HPLC/GC) for residual chemicals, pesticides, and mycotoxins as per regulatory requirements

•        Establish reference standards, reagent preparation protocols, and analytical method validation procedures

•        Monitor and trend analytical data to identify process variations and support continuous improvement initiatives

•        Coordinate third-party testing for specialized parameters and maintain vendor relationships with accredited external laboratories

Team Leadership & Development (15%)

•        Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4-6 laboratory chemists and technicians

•        Create training matrices and implement competency assessment programs for laboratory personnel

•        Conduct regular technical training on analytical methods, instrument operation, and safety protocols

•        Foster a culture of accuracy, integrity, and continuous learning within the laboratory team

•        Manage performance evaluations, goal setting, and career development planning for direct reports

•        Ensure adequate staffing for 24/7 laboratory operations across three shifts

Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping (10%)

•        Implement laboratory safety protocols including chemical handling, waste disposal, and emergency response procedures

•        Ensure compliance with FSSAI, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and other relevant food safety standards

•        Maintain laboratory 5S standards and good housekeeping practices

•        Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures for laboratory hazards

•        Manage chemical inventory, MSDS documentation, and hazardous waste management

•        Coordinate with EHS team for laboratory safety audits and incident investigations

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement (5%)

•        Develop annual laboratory budgets including capital equipment, consumables, and training requirements

•        Identify and implement new analytical methods to support product development and process optimization

•        Collaborate with production, R&D, and procurement teams to resolve quality issues and improve processes

•        Benchmark laboratory capabilities against industry leaders (Cargill, Ingredion, Tate & Lyle, Roquette)

•        Drive digitalization initiatives including LIMS implementation and data analytics

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Essential Technical Skills

•        Expert knowledge of NABL ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements and laboratory accreditation processes

•        Proficiency in analytical chemistry techniques: titration, spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), gravimetric analysis

•        Advanced instrumentation skills: HPLC, GC, Karl Fischer, Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, pH meters, viscometers, colorimeters

•        Strong understanding of microbiological testing methods and aseptic techniques

•        Knowledge of method validation parameters: accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ, robustness

•        Statistical process control (SPC) and measurement uncertainty calculations

•        Food chemistry and starch technology fundamentals

•        FSSAI, Codex, JECFA, and FDA guidelines for food analytical testing

Preferred Technical Skills

•        Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

•        Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 quality management systems

•        Familiarity with chromatographic data systems (CDS) and instrument software

•        Understanding of Six Sigma, Lean, and continuous improvement methodologies

•        Exposure to rice/grain processing and native starch manufacturing

•        Regulatory knowledge of food additives, contaminants, and hygiene standards

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Leadership Excellence

•        Demonstrates ethical leadership and scientific integrity in all laboratory operations

•        Inspires team members through technical expertise and professional conduct

•        Makes data-driven decisions while considering business impact and compliance requirements

•        Manages conflicts constructively and fosters collaborative problem-solving

Attention to Detail & Accuracy

•        Exhibits meticulous attention to analytical procedures and documentation requirements

•        Maintains zero-error mindset in critical testing and reporting activities

•        Identifies deviations promptly and implements corrective actions systematically

•        Ensures data integrity and traceability across all laboratory operations

Communication & Collaboration

•        Communicates complex analytical results effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders

•        Presents laboratory findings with clarity during management reviews and customer audits

•        Collaborates cross-functionally with production, maintenance, and R&D teams

•        Builds strong relationships with external assessors, auditors, and regulatory agencies

Continuous Learning & Adaptability

•        Stays current with evolving analytical techniques and regulatory requirements

•        Embraces new technologies and drives laboratory modernization initiatives

•        Adapts quickly to changing priorities in dynamic manufacturing environment

•        Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and problem-solving orientation

Quality Mindset & Compliance

•        Exhibits unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance

•        Champions root cause analysis and preventive action approaches

•        Challenges status quo and drives continuous improvement in laboratory operations

•        Maintains professional skepticism while reviewing analytical results

SUCCESS FACTORS

First 90 Days

•        Successfully complete NABL gap assessment and develop comprehensive action plan for accreditation

•        Establish laboratory infrastructure including equipment installation, calibration, and qualification

•        Recruit and onboard qualified laboratory chemists and technicians

•        Develop draft Quality Manual, SOPs, and analytical method validation protocols

•        Establish supplier relationships for laboratory consumables, reagents, and calibration services

First 6 Months

•        Complete method validation for all critical test parameters (minimum 15-20 methods)

•        Achieve 100% on-time testing turnaround for production support (raw materials, in-process, finished goods)

•        Implement internal quality control (IQC) program with control charts for key parameters

•        Conduct internal audits and address non-conformances in preparation for NABL assessment

•        Participate in minimum two proficiency testing programs and achieve satisfactory z-scores

•        Establish laboratory training program with 80% completion rate for team members

First 12 Months

•        Achieve successful NABL ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for minimum 20 test parameters

•        Maintain >95% analytical accuracy with zero critical deviations or data integrity issues

•        Reduce average sample turnaround time by 20% through process optimization

•        Achieve 100% compliance in external audits (customer, regulatory, certification body)

•        Implement LIMS or digital laboratory management system for enhanced efficiency

•        Develop collaborative relationships with CFTRI, ICAR institutes, or academic research laboratories

Ongoing Performance Metrics

•        NABL accreditation maintenance with zero major non-conformances during surveillance audits

•        Laboratory turnaround time adherence: >98% samples reported within committed timelines

•        Proficiency testing performance: 100% satisfactory z-scores (<2.0) across all PT programs

•        Equipment uptime: >95% availability of critical analytical instruments

•        Data integrity: Zero critical observations in internal/external audits

•        Team competency: 100% personnel qualified for assigned analytical methods

•        Cost efficiency: Laboratory operating costs within ±5% of annual budget

•        Customer satisfaction: >90% positive feedback from internal stakeholders on laboratory support

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education

•        Essential: M.Sc. in Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Food Technology / Biochemistry from recognized university

•        Preferred: Ph.D. in relevant field; Additional certifications in Quality Management or Laboratory Management

Experience

•        Essential: 8-12 years of experience in analytical/QC laboratory with minimum 4 years in NABL accredited laboratory

•        Preferred: 3+ years in managerial/leadership role in food processing, starch, or FMCG industry

•        Hands-on experience in establishing NABL laboratory from scratch OR leading NABL accreditation project

•        Experience managing NABL surveillance and reassessment audits

•        Background in food/starch/grain processing analytical testing

•        Exposure to multi-shift laboratory operations in manufacturing environment

Certifications (Preferred)

•        NABL Assessor training or Internal Auditor certification (ISO/IEC 17025:2017)

•        ISO 9001/ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor certification

•        Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent quality certification

•        Laboratory Safety training certifications

INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING

This position is benchmarked against NABL Lab Manager roles in leading native starch and food processing organizations:

Cargill India: NABL Lab Managers oversee multi-parameter accredited laboratories supporting starch production with focus on advanced analytical techniques and customer-specific testing protocols.

Ingredion India: Laboratory leadership roles emphasize NABL compliance, proficiency testing excellence, and integration with global quality systems for modified and native starch products.

Tate & Lyle: Lab Managers drive innovation in analytical methods while maintaining rigorous accreditation standards and supporting new product development initiatives.

Roquette India: Laboratory leaders manage comprehensive testing programs for starch derivatives with emphasis on regulatory compliance and customer audit readiness.

ITC Foods / Nestlé India: QC Laboratory Managers maintain NABL accreditation while supporting high-volume food manufacturing with stringent quality and safety requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

•        Laboratory and office-based role with 20% office work and 80% laboratory floor presence

•        Standard working hours with flexibility for audit support and emergency testing requirements

•        Occasional travel for training, conferences, and vendor/customer meetings (<10% travel)

•        Exposure to laboratory chemicals, equipment, and manufacturing environment

•        May require weekend or extended hours during commissioning and critical production phases