Group Leader - Analytical Chemistry

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Regular Commerce, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition

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.

• Functional & Technical Leadership: 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
• Laboratory Strategy & Innovation: Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and throughput
• Regulatory & GLP Excellence: 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
• Cross‑Functional Integration: 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
• Strategic Method Development: 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)
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non‑routine data for active ingredients and formulated products
• Resource & Project Management: Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement. Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy
• Staying Informed: Keep up to date with industry trends and scientific advancements and comply with all regulatory, EH&S requirements