Talent Pool - Laboratory Manager

Background and PurposeThe Food & Nutrition Sciences Laboratory plays a critical role in delivering high-quality analytical services, research outputs, and training that support IITA’s mandate on nutrition, food safety, and food systems transformation. The Laboratory Manager is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, system integrity, and performance visibility across the laboratory and positioning the lab for ISO certification. Key Responsibilities and DutiesThe Laboratory Manager will have end-to-end responsibility for the following five operational domains: 1. Inventory and Stores ManagementResponsibilitiesEstablish and maintain a single, standardized digital inventory management system based on analysis standard operating proceduresEnsure weekly inventory updates and verificationDefine, document, and enforce reorder thresholdsPrevent stock-outs, over-ordering, and reagent expiryEnsure traceability and audit readiness of inventory recordsExpected OutputsLive inventory dashboard (quantities, expiry dates, value)Reduced stock-out incidentsImproved reagent utilization and reduced waste 2. Workflow Coordination and AccountabilityResponsibilitiesImplement a shared task and workflow tracking systemSupport clear role definition and task ownership at the system levelEnsure weekly visibility of priorities and workloadsFacilitate regular operational check-ins focused on delivery blockersEscalate operational risks in a timely and evidence-based mannerExpected OutputsPredictable workflowsReduced rework and dropped tasksImproved turnaround consistency 3. Equipment and Asset ManagementResponsibilitiesEstablish and maintain a master equipment registerTrack equipment usage, downtime, servicing, and calibrationEnsure preventive maintenance schedules are followedCoordinate equipment servicing with internal and external providersMinimize unplanned downtime and data quality risksExpected OutputsUpdated equipment registryMaintenance and calibration logsImproved equipment uptime and reliability 4. Cost Recovery and Financial VisibilityResponsibilitiesSupport determination and documentation of cost per analysisTrack samples from receipt through analysis, reporting, and invoicingMaintain records linking samples, data outputs, and invoicesMonitor operational costs and revenue on a monthly basisSupport evidence-based pricing and break-even analysisExpected OutputsCost-per-analysis documentationSample-to-invoice traceabilityMonthly deliverables and financial summary reports 5. Client Experience and Operational CredibilityResponsibilitiesSupport definition of standard turnaround times by analysisMonitor delivery performance against agreed timelinesEnsure operational commitments to clients are realistic and visibleSupport consistent and professional laboratory communicationExpected OutputsImproved on-time delivery ratesReduced client complaintsIncreased repeat business and credibilitySupervise and coordinate the overall activities of the Food and Nutrition Sciences laboratory, including equipment maintenance and all laboratory operations. Supervise technical staff and research fellows in the laboratory Conduct analysis of chemical, physicochemical and functional properties of cassava, yam, Banana, Plantain, maize, cowpeas, and soybeans and their food products.Provide expertise in quality control/assurance of laboratory analytical data Identify and order all approved equipment, chemicals, and materials for the laboratoryProvide technical backstopping to national agricultural research institutes, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations conducting activities on crop quality, processing, utilization, and product developmentContribute to capacity building on food analysis and training of corps members, industrial training, and research fellowsPerform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.Requirements6. Required Qualifications and CompetenciesEssentialMaster’s degree in laboratory sciences, operations management, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years experience.Current IPAN certification Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating operational and quality systems within an ISO-certified or ISO-aligned laboratory environment.Recent, hands-on experience supporting ISO certification, accreditation, or re-certification processes.Strong communication, teamwork, organizational, and systems management skills.Proven ability to work confidently with data, tracking tools, dashboards, and performance indicators.High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.DesirableExperience with service laboratories or cost recovery modelsFamiliarity with quality management systems or laboratory auditsExperience working in research or institutional laboratory settings