Environmental Lab Manager

Givaudan

Vernier, Switzerland

As a Environmental Lab Manager (m/w/d), you will directly report to our Director of Env. & Analytical Labs, and you will join our Product Safety Science Labs CoE in Vernier.

You will lead the Physico‑chemical, Biodegradation and Environmental Fate Laboratory and its team, ensuring all studies meet regulatory and safety requirements within our accredited GLP Laboratories structure.

In this exciting role you will:

• Lead the Environmental Testing Laboratory: manage laboratory activities and a skilled team to deliver high‑quality internal studies on fragrance raw materials — natural, synthetic, and delivery systems — ensuring global regulatory compliance and supporting new product development;
• Drive scientific innovation: apply your expertise to design advanced and efficient testing methodologies addressing current and emerging regulatory needs in environmental sciences;
• Maintain a Best‑in‑Class Testing Facility: keep the Laboratory recognized as a Reference Center for Biodegradation Testing, renowned for scientific excellence and industry leadership. Continually improve methods and equipment, maintain robust SOPs, increase automation, and guarantee reliable results for innovation, registration, and safety assessment;
• Ensure Operational Excellence: oversee testing operations, planning, and resource management to meet strategic goals. Empower your team to achieve top performance aligned with the PSS Labs CoE priorities. Act as Deputy Test Facility Manager, ensuring full GLP compliance, study approval integrity, and progress in laboratory digitalization initiatives;
• Foster Strategic Alignment and Partnerships: work closely with Environmental Safety Sciences, Registration, and Science & Technology teams to align laboratory activities with broader company strategies. Contribute your scientific expertise to cross‑functional projects that advance Environmental Product Stewardship and regulatory advocacy. Participate in expert groups and external collaborations to strengthen Givaudan's leadership in biodegradation and environmental safety.

Your success profile includes:

• PhD or Master's degree with more than 10 years of experience in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Fate, Biodegradation, Physico‑chemical Testing, or Analytical Chemistry;
• At least 5 years of experience in an Environmental Testing Laboratory or related scientific field within industry or a CRO;
• Proven expertise in Biodegradation Testing;
• Experience in physico‑chemical studies focusing on environmental endpoints (preferred);
• Demonstrated leadership in laboratory operations, people management, and method development;
• Experience within a regulated laboratory structure with GLP accreditation;
• Previous experience as Study Director or Test Facility Manager for physico‑chemical and environmental studies under GLP is highly desirable;
• Working knowledge of computerized system validation, data integrity, and laboratory digitalization processes (appreciated);
• Experience collaborating with scientific expert groups and external stakeholders (preferred);
• Practical experience in sample preparation, testing, and data management related to biodegradation and physico‑chemical studies;
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation and methods such as GC‑FID/MS and LC‑MS;
• Strong ability to interpret scientific data, prepare technical reports, and present findings effectively;
• Knowledge of method validation principles (appreciated);
• Familiarity with fragrance raw materials and polymers (preferred);
• Strong ownership mindset and ability to work with autonomy and rigor;
• Commitment to maintaining excellence in GLP processes from raw data generation to final report;
• Fluent in English; very good spoken and written French is a plus;
• Team‑oriented, collaborative, and proactive mindset.