Laboratory Operations Manager - Softlines (Guatemala, Latin America)

About Intertek :

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 46,000 people in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

True to the spirit of our founders, we lead the industry with unparallel ATIC services. The spirit ignited by our co-founder Thomas Alva Edison who gave one of the biggest inventions to the world - lightbulb, has guided all the Intertekers for 130 years and we continue to discover the Edison in ourselves every day! The opportunity for you to be a part of this heritage is right there, join our ever-better journey it’s time to unveil your destiny.

Position Name : Laboratory Operations Manager – Softlines

Location : Guatemala, Latin America ( Please note we are hiring in India but please apply if you are comfortable relocating to Guatemala )

Reporting to : Regional Director Softlines – Latin America

Scope: Lead and supervise laboratory operations, ensuring service quality, fulfillment of customer and affiliate requirements, and the efficient execution of inspections, tests, and reports. Ensure adherence to all client programs, optimize processes, and ensure compliance with corporate and regulatory standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Management

• Direct laboratory activities supervision, ensuring the proper development of all operations.

• Coordinate and supervise the team’s operational activities to guarantee high‑quality service.

• Manage the procurement of equipment, supplies, and tools necessary for laboratory activities.

• Monitor the complete workflow of tests, including those performed abroad, through the issuance of reports.

• Verify compliance with scheduled calibrations, maintenance activities, and periodic equipment checks.

• Ensure the correct execution of tests, proper storage, and preservation of samples in accordance with laboratory guidelines.

• Authorize modifications to reports when applicable.

• Manage non‑conforming work, including stopping, repeating, or holding reports, as well as resuming work as required.

• Lead testing operations, providing technical assistance to the personnel under his responsibility.

• Verify the execution of material tests and the accuracy of the reports issued.

• Ensure that test methods are applied correctly and strict adherence to client programs

• Coordinate the work assigned to operational personnel to improve productivity and efficiencies of lab operation.

Client Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain communication with clients, suppliers, and affiliates for clarifications,

requests, or operational coordination.

• Customer Service area’s management throughout the operational process within the laboratory.

• Manage the reduction and follow‑up of complaints, ensuring timely solutions.

• Support second‑ and third‑party audits requested by clients.

• Support client policies related to the safeguarding and handling of samples.

Quality, Documentation, and Compliance Management

• Develop and update internal procedures, work instructions, and technical documents.

• Ensure that procedures and documents are kept up to date and accessible to personnel.

• Monitor and follow up on corrective and preventive actions, ensuring their effectiveness.

• Attend internal and external audits of the quality system.

• Maintain the laboratory’s accreditation (e.g., ISO 17025) in accordance with current requirements with the support from Quality department.

• Support the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.

• Ensure on time upload reports into corporate systems (Intertek, ATIC, or others).

• Conduct internal reviews to ensure compliance with standards and Compliance policies.

• Follow up on nonconformity reports and events that may affect service quality.

Administrative and Financial Management

• Budget and control laboratory operating costs, including purchasing, maintenance, equipment

calibration, and personnel‑related expenses.

• Manage internal controls for completed services.

• Verify accurate data entry in management systems (ATIC).

Leadership, Team Development, and Continuous Improvement Management

• Promote compliance with corporate policies and operational standards.

• Propose corrective and preventive actions to ensure continuous improvement.

• Coordinate activities with managers and supervisors to implement and monitor quality system policies.

• Promote and ensure staff training according to the laboratory’s needs.

• Encourage continuous improvement of service processes.

• Conduct the annual performance evaluation of supervised personnel and participate in your own performance evaluation.

• Establish annual objectives for yourself and your team.

• Perform additional assigned activities, as the functions listed are illustrative but not limiting.

We are Looking for You with :

Qualification :

Mandatory: Bachelor’s Degree / Engineering - Textile, Chemistry, Industrial

Desirable: Master’s Degree - Processes or Administration

Relevant Experience : 7-10 years performing managerial activities; seven years of experience in textile testing methods.

Think big, think different & act fast – it’s well within your grasp!