Laboratory Manager

Date: 31 May 2025

Country: Nigeria

Function: MATS

Sub-Function: Plant Operations

About Us

Olam Agri supplies food, feed and fibre to meet rising demand and a shift to protein-based diets, particularly in Asian and African countries. Headquartered in Singapore and present on all continents, our value chains include farming, processing, and distribution operations, as well as a sourcing network of an estimated 2.5 million farmers. Our teams have built leadership positions in many Olam Agri businesses, including rice, flour, animal feed, sesame, cotton, wood, and more. As a purpose-driven company, we aim to contribute positively to the prosperity and well-being of people along our supply chains, the protection and regeneration of our natural resource base, and the fight against climate change.

Product Information

Grains

Grains is one of the 6 prioritized platforms in Olam The Grains business consists of 4 verticals: Wheat Milling (in sub-Saharan Africa), Origination & Trading (Origination in the Black Sea and Latin America, Destination in the Middle East & North Africa, Prop trading in Wheat/Corn/Soy), Animal Feeds & Proteins (starting in Nigeria, but plan to expand to 4-5 countries in Africa, Asia & MENA by 2020) and Ocean Freight (vessel charter, Prop trading).
Our manufacturing facilities in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal helping these countries to reduce import costs of refined wheat. With an unrelenting focus on food safety, innovation and cost efficiencies, we produce a range of quality flours for bread, baguettes, pasta noodles, biscuits, semolina, and confectionery.

Job Description

The ideal candidate will ensure that all lab activities comply with safety regulations, quality standards, and research protocols. This role involves managing personnel, maintaining equipment, and ensuring the smooth execution of experiments and testing procedures.

Key Deliverables

Setting up a Veterinary diagnostic laboratory equipped with diagnostic tools including a Realtime PCR
General supervision and oversight of staff and operations in the laboratory.
Implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive quality control program in the lab.
Prepare and continuously update laboratory SOPs
Maintains laboratory equipment performance by establishing quality standard;
Developing quality and troubling shooting procedures;
Ensuring staff compliance; certifying instrument performance, arranging equipment purchase, replacement and repairs.
Supervising laboratory supply inventory, placing and expediting orders for supplies
Furnish input for budget planning and participate in budget monitoring/management
Orienting and training laboratory staff
Communicate updates in the laboratory to the general manager
Analysis and interpretation of samples, and subsequent communication to client

Strategic Effectiveness

Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance laboratory capabilities and service delivery
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies to improve lab performance
Contribute to institutional research and development goals through strategic planning and resource alignment
Ensure compliance with national and international regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, GLP, GMP)
Collaborate with senior leadership to align lab operations with broader organizational strategies

Operational Effectiveness

Oversee daily laboratory functions including workflow management, sample processing, and data reporting
Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; ensure timely repairs and upgrades
Manage procurement and inventory of lab supplies and reagents
Implement and monitor adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
Ensure quality control and assurance processes are consistently applied
Utilize Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data tracking and reporting

Organizational Effectiveness

Lead, mentor, and evaluate laboratory staff; support professional development and training
Foster a culture of accountability, scientific integrity, and continuous improvement
Promote effective communication and collaboration across departments and with external partners
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
Prepare for and support internal and external audits and inspections
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the laboratory environment

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in a laboratory setting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
Strong knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and regulatory requirements
Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills
Proficiency in laboratory management software and Microsoft Office Suite

Olam is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.