Laboratory Supervisor - Chemist

About this role

This role is for a Laboratory Supervisor - Chemist to join Nestlé Nigeria’s Quality Assurance team at the Abaji factory in Abuja. The position oversees the chemistry laboratory activities, supports factory operations with technical chemistry input, and ensures Good Laboratory Practice, laboratory safety, and regulatory/commercial product release. The role involves coordinating chemical analyses, managing product compliance and contaminant monitoring, and driving continuous improvement within the laboratory. It requires collaboration with Production, Quality, and R&D teams, and interaction with third-party labs and regulatory bodies. The job targets candidates with strong analytical chemistry skills and experience in a regulated manufacturing setting.

What you would do

• Coordinate routine chemical analyses for finished products, in-line controls, raw materials and packaging materials.
• Ensure laboratory methods, equipment, calibration and controls enable accurate, timely results and decision-making.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support to Production and Application teams on mineral preparation, conductivity, concentration and recipe issues.
• Coordinate product compliance activities and manage the contaminant monitoring programme and sample submission readiness.
• Monitor compliance results and escalate risks to protect product safety and regulatory compliance.
• Promote Good Laboratory Practice across Chemistry, Microbiology and Sensory as applicable, including audits and self-assessment.
• Act as the laboratory/factory HAZMAT lead for chemical-spill preparedness and drills.
• Support HACCP review, internal audits (e.g., ISO/NMS, FSSC 22000) and laboratory safety audits.
• Maintain SAP/GLOBE Quality system usage and support quality transactions.
• Train and develop laboratory staff and use analytical tools and problem-solving methods to support continuous improvement.

What they are asking for

• BSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science/Technology or related field.
• Hands-on analytical chemistry experience in manufacturing or regulated lab environments.
• Experience in food & beverage, pharmaceutical or related sectors.
• Working knowledge of GLP, product compliance, lab management and verification/audit requirements.
• Knowledge of analytical tools and problem-solving approaches (SPC, DMAIC, Fishbone, root-cause analysis).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; SAP experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, influencing, problem-solving and decision-making abilities; capable of cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in training or coordinating support staff is advantageous.
• Knowledge of HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001:2015, HAZMAT/chemical safety and related quality systems is advantageous.

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