Group Leader - Analytical Chemistry

AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP•Commerce, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Group Leader – Analytical Sciences provides strategic and functional leadership for the Analytical Sciences organization at American Vanguard. This role serves as the company’s senior analytical chemistry expert, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership to advance scientific excellence, operational performance, and global regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team responsible for the development, validation, and application of sophisticated analytical methodologies supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory initiatives. This leader will drive innovation in analytical capabilities, oversee complex problem solving and technical decision-making, and ensure the highest standards of data integrity, laboratory compliance, and scientific rigor. As a key cross-functional partner, the Group Leader will collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to translate complex analytical findings into strategic business solutions that support product development, commercialization, and regulatory defense. This role also champions continuous improvement, laboratory modernization, and the development of scientific talent to strengthen organizational capability and long-term business success. AMVAC®, an American Vanguard company, has successfully served the results-driven global markets through development, manufacturing and marketing of products for agricultural and commercial use. At American Vanguard, we believe in growth, innovation, and opportunity. We understand that a successful business is built on the strength of its people which is why we are dedicated to nurturing talent, fueling success and cultivating potential. This position is on-site at our Research & Development Center in Commerce, California.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or a closely related scientific discipline
10 years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, or Specialty Chemical industry
3+ years of demonstrated leadership. Proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations
Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration
A history of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non- conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis
Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks
Excellent skills in leadership, project management, effective delegation, and budget management
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization
Willingness to travel up to 15%
Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required
Must pass post-offer background check and other appropriate tests as required

Nice To Haves

Dedicated to nurturing talent and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders within AMVAC
Ability to look beyond daily tasks to see how analytical excellence drives the broader business strategy
Integrates diverse perspectives and practices into a cohesive team culture that supports the overall business strategy of AMVAC
Maintains open communication and collaboration across departments, fostering a unified approach to achieving development and Corporation goals
Thrives in a dynamic environment, adapting quickly to changes and making informed decisions amidst ambiguity to maintain project momentum
Demonstrates agility in decision-making and ability to pivot strategies when necessary to achieve project goals
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong organizational abilities to work on complex projects and stakeholder interactions effectively

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees. Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability
Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and throughput
Supervise the preparation and technical review of analytical data packages for global regulatory submissions (EPA, OECD). Ensure the lab maintains strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and internal quality protocols
Translate complex chemical findings into strategic business recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory compliance teams
Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross-functional team needs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and strategic analytical chemistry oversight across the enterprise
Oversee the design and optimization of complex analytical methods (e.g., impurity profiling, structural elucidation, and trace analysis) using state-of-the-art instrumentation (such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and Spectroscopy)
Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non-routine data for active ingredients and formulated products
Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement. Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy
Keeping up to date with industry trends and scientific advancements and Comply with all regulatory, EH&S requirements