• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the site laboratory, ensuring full compliance with internal standards, legal requirements, and health & safety regulations.
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted efficiently, safely, and in alignment with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and validation of laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve laboratory methods, procedures, and work instructions.
• Manage laboratory budgets and costs, ensuring optimal resource utilization without compromising quality or safety.
• Lead internal audits, self-inspection programs, and ensure readiness for external audits and certifications (e.g., ISO 17025, GFSI schemes).

• Define, implement, and monitor sampling and testing plans for raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of analytical testing, including wet chemistry and instrumental techniques (GC, HPLC, ICP).
• Oversee in-process control testing and final product verification to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Manage relationships with external laboratories, including sample coordination, data review, and performance monitoring.
• Lead validation and verification of analytical methods, proficiency testing (ring tests), and inter-laboratory comparisons.
• Drive adoption of new analytical technologies and continuous improvement of testing capabilities.

• Ensure positive release of finished products and approval/rejection of raw materials based on defined specifications.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, and GFSI-recognized schemes such as FSSC 22000, BRC, and IFS.
• Oversee contaminant monitoring programs, allergen control processes, and environmental monitoring programs (EMP).
• Lead deviation management processes, including root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and management of change (MOC).
• Ensure all quality-related documentation, certifications, and records are accurate, complete, and audit-ready.

• Oversee quality control processes for inbound soybeans, including sampling, testing, and release decisions.
• Monitor quality and compliance across storage, transport, and external warehouse operations.
• Coordinate with suppliers, logistics teams, and third-party inspection bodies to ensure consistent quality standards.
• Support supplier performance monitoring, including enforcement of quality agreements and claims management for non-conformance.
• Ensure compliance of transshipment points and external facilities with defined quality and handling protocols.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of laboratory professionals, fostering a high-performance and accountable culture.
• Define performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and support employee development through structured training plans.
• Maintain training records and ensure competency development aligned with technical and regulatory requirements.
• Promote effective communication, engagement, and collaboration within the team and across functions.

• Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance, Production, Supply Chain, and global laboratory networks.
• Participate in specification management, product performance investigations, and new product development initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of laboratory technologies, food safety standards, and soy processing advancements.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven experience in quality control area within food processing, agriculture, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques, laboratory systems, and quality standards (GLP, ISO 17025).
• Solid understanding of food safety principles, including HACCP and microbiological controls.
• Effective teams management and working in cross-functional environments.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of organization, planning, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in SAP, LIMS, and data analysis/reporting tools.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Fluency in Serbian and English.

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