About the Role
The laboratory plays a key role in delivering analytical services, research, and training related to nutrition, food safety, and food systems transformation. The manager ensures operational excellence, system integrity, and performance transparency, positioning the facility for ISO certification.
Responsibilities
- Design and manage a unified digital system for tracking laboratory inventory based on standard operating procedures
- Conduct weekly updates and audits of inventory records
- Set, record, and enforce thresholds for reordering supplies
- Avoid shortages, excess purchases, and expired reagents
- Ensure inventory records are traceable and audit-ready
- Implement a shared platform for tracking tasks and workflows
- Support clear assignment of roles and responsibilities within the system
- Provide weekly visibility into team priorities and workloads
- Lead routine operational reviews focused on resolving delivery obstacles
- Report operational risks promptly with supporting evidence
- Create and maintain a comprehensive register of all laboratory equipment
- Monitor equipment usage, downtime, servicing, and calibration schedules
- Ensure adherence to preventive maintenance plans
- Coordinate equipment servicing with both internal and external technicians
- Reduce unplanned equipment downtime and risks to data quality
- Assist in calculating and documenting the cost per analytical test
- Track samples from arrival through analysis, reporting, and billing
- Keep records that link samples, data results, and invoices
- Review operational costs and revenue performance monthly
- Support data-driven pricing strategies and break-even assessments
- Help define standard turnaround times for each type of analysis
- Monitor actual delivery performance against agreed timelines
- Ensure client commitments are realistic and clearly communicated
- Maintain professional and consistent communication from the laboratory
- Supervise and coordinate all activities in the Food and Nutrition Sciences laboratory, including equipment upkeep and daily operations
Expected Outputs
- Active inventory dashboard showing quantities, expiration dates, and monetary value
- Fewer instances of stock-outs
- Better use of reagents and reduced waste
- Consistent and predictable workflows
- Less rework and missed tasks
- More reliable turnaround times
- Up-to-date equipment registry
- Records of maintenance and calibration activities
- Higher equipment uptime and dependability
- Documented cost per analysis
- Full traceability from sample receipt to invoice
- Monthly reports on deliverables and financial performance
- Improved rates of on-time delivery
- Fewer complaints from clients
- Growth in repeat business and enhanced reputation
