Position Title: Technical Manager - Biodegradation Laboratory

Department: Environmental/Bioscience Testing Laboratory

Reporting To: Head of Bioscience

Job Purpose

The Technical Manager is responsible for the scientific, technical, and operational management of the Biodegradation Laboratory. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality biodegradability, compostability, environmental fate, and ecotoxicology testing services in compliance with international standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation criteria. The Technical Manager provides technical leadership, oversees method development and validation, manages laboratory personnel, and supports business growth through technical expertise and client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership

- Manage and oversee biodegradation, compostability, bio-based content, and environmental fate testing programs.
- Ensure testing is conducted in accordance OECD Guidelines/ ISO standards/ ASTM standards / EN standards / EPA methodologies
- Review and approve technical procedures, protocols, calculations, and reports.
- Provide scientific guidance for complex studies and troubleshooting activities.
- Lead method development, validation, verification, and implementation of new testing capabilities.

2. Laboratory Operations

- Ensure efficient laboratory workflow and resource utilization.
- Monitor laboratory performance, productivity, and turnaround times.
- Oversee equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance, and performance verification.
- Ensure proper inventory management of consumables, chemicals, reference materials, and biological inocula.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and profitability.

3. Quality and Compliance





- Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, GLP (where applicable), and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in accreditation assessments and regulatory audits.
- Ensure adherence to quality management systems and laboratory SOPs.
- Investigate non-conformances, deviations, CAPAs, and customer complaints.
- Monitor data integrity and ensure compliance with laboratory documentation requirements.

4. Team Management

- Lead, mentor, and develop scientific and technical staff.
- Conduct competency assessments, training programs, and performance reviews.
- Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous learning.
- Support recruitment and workforce planning activities.

5. Client and Business Support

- Provide technical consultation to clients regarding test selection, study design, and interpretation of results.
- Support business development activities by reviewing technical proposals and quotations.
- Participate in customer meetings, audits, and technical presentations.
- Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies related to environmental sustainability testing.

6. Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies and environmental regulations.
- Promote safe handling of chemicals, microorganisms, and biological materials.




- Lead risk assessments and safety investigations when required.

Education Qualifications: Ph.D. or Master's Degree in: Microbiology / Environmental Science /Biotechnology / Biochemistry/ Biosciences or Related scientific discipline

Experience: Minimum 8-12 years of laboratory experience, with at least 2- 3years in a technical leadership role.

- Strong experience in biodegradation and environmental testing laboratories.
- Experience working under ISO/IEC 17025 and/or GLP systems.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Technical Competencies:

- Expertise chemical & biological testing including in biodegradation and compostability testing(relevant ISO/ASTM biodegradation methods)
- Strong understanding of environmental microbiology and analytical techniques.
- Experience with method validation and uncertainty evaluation, preferred
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) will be added advantage

Behavioral Competencies:

- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking ability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Customer-focused mindset.
- Project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- On-time delivery of test reports.
- Laboratory utilization and productivity.
- Successful accreditation and audit outcomes.
- Data quality and technical accuracy.
- Customer satisfaction scores.
- Current method implementation and revenue generation.
- Employee competency and retention metrics.
- Safety and compliance performance.

Location: Mumbai / Laboratory Site

Employment Type: Full-Time

📌 Technical Manager Biodegradation Laboratory (Mumbai)
🏢 Intertek
📍 Mumbai