Head of Laboratory Operations

**"Be the catalyst that drives real change for our planet."**

Samsara Eco has one clear mission: to repair our planet through infinite plastic recycling. Yes, it’s a mighty mission but it’s something every single one of us here at Samsara Eco is determined to achieve. And it’s what motivates us to dedicate our time and energy to every single day.

Our technology is like our team. One of a kind. And we know that, so while we are creating technology to repair our planet, we’re also building a great place to grow careers. A place where everyone can do the best work of their life, making meaningful impact on our planet and ourselves.

**Who we are...**

We’re a climate tech innovator repairing our planet through infinite recycling. We’re taking the 10 billion tonnes of plastics and têxtiles wasting away in landfill and our environment, and recycling it, infinitely to create a truly circular loop for packaging, clothing, airbags and everything in between.

It means brands can make the products we all know and love without the environmental damage. Because by using what we already have, we can end the world’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels to slow climate change and ensure we have a liveable planet for future generations.

**The Role...**

We're looking for a talented Head of Quality and Laboratory Operations to join our team at Samsara Eco. In this role, you'll play a pivotal role in organising, managing, and optimising laboratory materials and equipment to facilitate a cost-efficient, highly effective, and streamlined work environment for Samsara Eco.

**Key Responsibilities...**
- Lead and support a team of Analytical Chemists and Laboratory Technicians, including onboarding new members and coordinating team schedules.
- Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of the team.
- Ensure all inspections, testing and documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are current and properly stored according to current systems.
- Closely partner with Quality Assurance Manager and Associate to ensure compliance with laboratory quality system, processes and procedures.
- Develop and optimise analytical methods using Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry and support the analytical laboratory staff in method validation.
- Manage and maintain materials and supply inventory including checking consumables, ordering, and coordinating relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Operate equipment as needed to fulfill customer project requirements and oversee maintenance and service records.
- Stay abreast of industry standards and advancements and collaborate to develop and implement processes that drive workflow efficiencies.
- Schedule and organise daily work including scheduling of processes to ensure that the laboratories operate efficiently, and expectations are met/exceeded.
- Coordinate and engage Scientists, Engineers, Technicians and Project Managers as needed.
- Identify multiple sources of lab critical materials to ensure continuity of project work.
- Establish and maintain relationships with equipment repair/calibration companies.
- Schedule regular maintenance, repairs, and calibration for equipment.
- Crosstrain with Scientist(s) to provide troubleshooting support when needed.
- Monitor and minimise waste streams while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

**Skills and Competencies**
- Results-driven, focused on delivering business goals and identifying new opportunities.
- Committed to long-term success by setting objectives and allocating resources.
- Skilled in setting clear standards, communicating expectations, and providing coaching.
- Fosters an open environment, encouraging challenges and motivating others.
- Experienced in analysing business data, writing reports, and delivering presentations.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong multi-tasking, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Troubleshoots laboratory equipment and provides hands-on lab support.
- Experienced in laboratory control, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action management.
- Knowledgeable in environmental, health, and lab safety practices.

**Qualifications...**
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or related discipline; Ph.D. preferred.
- 5+ years of relevant industry experience including laboratory management or a related field
- Experience in applied analytical chemistry including method development, validation and hands-on operation of laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations in a quality control environment where product release and continuation of processes are dependent on analytical laboratory data
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively
- Experience with laboratory equipment and sof