Chemistry Laboratory Manager
Chanel — Pantin: Chemistry Laboratory Manager (CDI). Lead analytical testing, quality control and regulatory compliance for the cosmetics laboratory.
Overview
Chanel is an independent French luxury house renowned for haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, fragrances, cosmetics and fine jewelry. As an employer, the brand combines artisanal savoir‑faire with industrial-scale research and development across production, quality and creative teams, offering technically ambitious roles within a discreet, high‑standards environment.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the chemistry laboratory team, including recruitment, performance management and skills development.
- Oversee analytical testing and control activities for raw materials, in‑process samples and finished cosmetics/fragrance products to ensure release criteria are met.
- Develop, validate and maintain analytical methods (HPLC, GC, spectrometry) and stability protocols; ensure robustness and traceability of results.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and quality standards (cosmetics regulations, GMP, ISO 17025 where relevant).
- Manage laboratory operations: planning, prioritisation, maintenance of equipment, calibration and budget oversight.
- Implement and maintain quality systems, SOPs and LIMS workflows to guarantee data integrity and audit readiness.
- Collaborate closely with R&D/formulation, quality assurance and supply chain to support new product development and problem resolution.
- Drive continuous improvement projects to optimise throughput, reduce variability and modernise analytical capability.
Qualifications
- Master's degree or engineering diploma in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
- Proven managerial experience, preferably with responsibility for a technical laboratory team.
- Demonstrated expertise in analytical method development and validation for cosmetics or related industries.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements applicable to cosmetics and laboratory quality systems (GMP, ISO standards).
- Excellent communication skills in French; professional proficiency in English preferred.
- Ability to prioritise competing projects and manage stakeholders across R&D, QA and production.
Skills
Experience
Minimum of 5 years' experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity; experience in cosmetics, personal care or pharmaceutical sectors strongly preferred.
Education
Master's degree or engineering diploma in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
Culture
Chanel cultivates a culture of craftsmanship, rigor and discretion, valuing technical excellence and creative collaboration. Teams operate at the intersection of artisanal savoir‑faire and industrial R&D, with an emphasis on continuous improvement and high-quality standards.