Laboratoriummanager

We are looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager for our world-leading Fuel & Oil Testing Laboratory in Barendrecht (Rotterdam)

VPS is a world-leading maritime decarbonisation advisory services company, dedicated to innovation and sustainability. We are the pioneers of marine fuel testing industry with over 40 years of experience. VPS testing and inspection services operate through five state-of-the-art laboratories, supported by a widespread network of commercial and technical advisory teams. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has established us as the clear market leader.

As part of a global network, the VPS Barendrecht (Rotterdam) Laboratory tests marine fuel and oil samples from ports across Europe to standard international test methods (primarily ISO8217). The laboratory is accredited to ISO17025 and operates to a high level of quality, using statistical quality control check standards, round robins, internal audits and external audits to quality assure the test results. The laboratory operates a shift system with more than 30 staff using state-of-the-art instrumentation to provide test results for more than 120,000 samples per year.

The laboratory also innovates bespoke additional tests using our extensive in-house knowledge and experience, using techniques such as GCMS, Wax Appearance Temperature and Additional Protection Service. We are now working with a number of customers to develop new test methods for alternative low Carbon marine fuels such as biofuels and methanol to support our shipping customers on their decarbonisation journeys. VPS is leading the market in the development of these innovative test methods and we have invested in laboratory instrumentation to measure the quality and source of these fuels in order to confirm their sustainability of their supply chains. We partner with organisations such as the Global Centre for Marine Decarbonisation to fulfil this mission, with the ultimate aim to reduce shipping greenhouse gas emissions.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The main deliverable of the Laboratory Manager role is to ensure that samples are tested to the appropriate level of quality and within the relevant turnaround times. To deliver this, the Laboratory Manager has a number of direct reports, including a Quality Manager, Development Chemist, Administration Assistant and Laboratory Supervisors who line manage the laboratory technicians. In addition, the Laboratory Manager works closely with the Technical Manager based in Barendrecht to ensure that samples are registered and reported by providing technical advice within tight turnaround times. The Laboratory Manager also operates as part of a Global Laboratories Management Team, alongside the Laboratory Managers of Singapore, Houston and Fujairah Laboratories.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Laboratory Manager leads the operation of the laboratory. The main activity of the laboratory is to analyse marine fuel oils and distillates as per ISO8217. The work is distributed amongst various teams within each shift. The work is further distributed within these teams, over 8 to 10 workstations. The Laboratory Manager ensures that the Laboratory operates to ISO8217 via a Quality Manager, ensures the optimisation of operational laboratory work as well as the development and the continuous improvements of test methods.

This will be achieved by delivering the following objectives:-

1. Operational management of the Laboratory

• Organization of activities, delegation of tasks, responsibilities, and authority.
• Directing work relating to the implementation of departmental targets.
• Supervising the execution and progress in terms of quality as well as quantity.
• Ensuring optimal alignment between the personnel and the workload.
• Approval of accounts and contracts within the authorized signatory's scheme.
• Setting priorities and resolving more complex problems.
• Conducting work meetings with employees.

1. Planning and preparation

• Drawing up of an annual departmental plan (including budget) and formulation of departmental targets in conformity with the company/group targets
• Formulation of plans with concrete objectives and activities relating to organization, staffing, processing, building management, environment, safety, and quality
• Purchase of required laboratory equipment, material, etc., agreeing price and delivery, and maintenance agreements with suppliers.
• Ensuring maintenance of the laboratory, waste disposal, calibration of laboratory equipment and approval of validation reports.
• Coordination of plans with the MD
• Collection and analysis of internal and external information at the request of the MD, among other things, from risk surveys, audits, lab performance results, changes in laws and regulations relating to relating to environment, safety, quality, etc.
• Provision of inputs, thinking along in the formulation of departmental plan and direction, submitting proposals for improvement.
• Verifying this information regarding trends, relevance, or advantages and disadvantages, and working out proposals for optimization.
• Collecting, reporting, and explaining findings.
• Assessment and evaluation of (financial) monthly reports concerning the number of test results delivered, the budget, complaints, number of employees hired, overtime hours, etc., among other things.
• Reporting KPIs and deviations from the budget, along with explanations.

1. Managing People

• Handling personnel issues under his/her responsibility in accordance with the company policy.
• Appraise, counsel and develop laboratory staff to maintain high levels of motivation

1. Quality and Safety

• Ensuring that the laboratory operations comply with the quality handbook, the customer requirements, the laws and regulations, and the accreditation requirements.
• Translating and (arranging for) implementation within the laboratory, of changes in laws and regulations and/or group regulations relating to quality, working conditions, health, safety, and environment.
• Revising / improving and validating procedures, reports, work methods, etc.
• Arranging for the necessary permits.
• Supervising and ensuring overall compliance, organizing, and arranging for the execution of internal audits and risk assessments.
• Organizing and reporting of witnessing.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's Degree in scientific or relevant field or 10 years relevant experience
• Computer literate with experience in MS Office applications
• Be able to speak and write English fluently- our business language is English.
• You like to work together in a team.
• Strong planning, organisational and communication skills
• Minimum of 5 years of managerial/supervisory experience
• Some international travel may be required

OUR OFFER TO YOU

Together with the below compensations, we offer a challenging, highly responsible, and creative position within a market leading organisation.

• Competitive Base Salary
• Premium-free pension
• Partial reimbursement of the health insurance premium
• Minimum of 29 days annual leave (on fulltime basis)
• Opportunities to develop professionally and personally