Valencia, Spain (onsite) About the Role: DS Smith has an exciting new opportunity for a Product Safety Laboratory Manager to lead our new Product Safety laboratory based in Valencia, Spain. You will provide analytical chemistry testing and technical expertise for R&D;, strategic innovation projects, and major business initiatives.
The role combines hands‐on technical leadership - designing, executing, and interpreting experiments in line with agreed milestones - with management skills: leading a team, running the laboratory as a well‐governed operation, and owning its budget and performance. Beyond laboratory and people management, you will act as the technical face of the laboratory to DS Smith's customers and internal stakeholders - presenting results, explaining technical findings in commercial terms, and building trust directly with clients.
Support R&D; projects through experimental design, testing, data interpretation, and technical reporting
Manage the laboratory budget, purchasing, inventory, and cost control




Maintain knowledge of food contact regulations and testing methodologies
Collaborate with R&D; teams to ensure consistent quality, productivity, and best practices
Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality, and maintenance standards
A PhD is advantageous
Previous experience using analytical instrumentation within an industrial, R&D;, testing, or CRO environment
Strong practical experience with HPLC, GC, ICP, method development, validation, and troubleshooting
Sound understanding of food contact regulations and packaging materials, particularly paper, board, and cellulose-based products
Proven ability to analyse data, solve technical problems, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences
Experience managing projects, laboratory operations, quality systems, and regulatory compliance activities
Previous experience with paper, board, or packaging materials is an advantage
Very good written and spoken Spanish and English - level B2/ C1

📌 Product Safety Lab Manager (Valencia)
🏢 DS Smith
📍 Valencia