Head of Laboratory

As the Head of Laboratory Professional for our client based in Tanzania, your role will be crucial in building and leading the technical backbone of the laboratory. Your responsibilities will include ensuring product quality and release, developing new formulations, and preparing the lab for ISO and customer audits. Key Responsibilities: - Take ownership of specifications, COAs, and batch release processes - Develop and maintain robust sampling plans for raw materials, in-process, and finished goods - Ensure method integrity for core tests such as KV (D445), VI (D2270), FP (D92/D93), P.P. (D97), CCS (D5293), TBN/TAN (D2896/D664), Noack (D5800), Foaming (D892), and D130 - Manage instruments, calibrations, and control charts to drive OOS/OOT investigations and prevent recurrence - Establish LIMS/traceability discipline and readiness for ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation R&D / Formulation Ownership: - Develop and optimize formulations for various products using the right base oil mix and additive packages - Optimize treat rates for cost/performance, oxidation control, detergency, VI, and pour point - Create master formulas, BOMs, and batch instructions while managing line flush strategies - Align formulations with API/ACEA standards and conduct first-article runs and field trials Technical Governance & Scale-Up: - Lead tech transfers and NPI gates while coordinating with Production - Qualify suppliers and set incoming QC protocols - Train operators/techs on sampling, test methods, and data integrity - Support regulatory requirements, customer audits, and complaint investigations Qualifications Required: - M.Sc. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (or B.Sc. with a strong track record) - 7-12 years of experience in lubricants/petroleum lab leadership with hands-on ASTM methods - Proven experience in taking a formulation from bench to pilot line with COA/release accountability Skills Required: - Strong formulation chemistry knowledge - Proficiency in statistics and problem-solving - Experience in SOP writing and LIMS/ERP systems Nice-to-Have Skills: - Experience in ISO 17025 setup/expansion and proficiency in FTIR/ICP - Familiarity with cost-optimization projects and proficiency in French/Swahili Benefits: - Housing - Transportation - Food - Visa - Air Ticket,