Head of Analytical Laboratory & Sensory Validation

Join Birdman and Help Shape the Future of Plant-Based Nutrition!

At Birdman, we're creating plant-based foods and supplements that are better for both people and the planet. We believe conscious nutrition has the power to transform the way we live, consume, and build a more sustainable future.

About Birdman

Over the past few years, Birdman has experienced rapid and sustained growth, becoming one of the leading plant-based food and supplement companies in Latin America.

Our mission is simple: make healthy, sustainable, and cruelty‑free nutrition accessible through innovative, science‑backed, and high‑quality products.

As we continue expanding internationally, we're looking for exceptional talent to help us build the next Mexican unicorn. If you're passionate about quality, innovation, and creating products that consumers truly love, we'd love to meet you.

The Role

We're looking for a Head of Analytical Laboratory & Sensory Validation to lead the development of Birdman's analytical laboratory and sensory evaluation capabilities.

This is a highly strategic leadership position responsible for building world‑class analytical methodologies, ensuring product consistency, validating sensory profiles, supporting international quality standards, and leading a multidisciplinary laboratory team.

You'll play a key role in ensuring every Birdman product consistently delivers the quality, safety, and sensory experience our customers expect.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership

• Lead the implementation and operation of Birdman's analytical laboratory.
• Build analytical capabilities, methodologies, and testing protocols from the ground up.
• Manage laboratory operations across physicochemical, microbiological, stability, and sensory analysis.
• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary laboratory team.

Analytical Methods & Validation

• Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods for raw materials and finished products.
• Design analytical approaches that support sensory evaluation, especially for flavor characterization and off‑note identification.
• Ensure analytical methods meet regulatory and international quality standards.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, validation protocols, and continuous improvements.

Sensory Science & Product Quality

• Develop and maintain Birdman's sensory evaluation system.
• Define sensory testing methodologies for ingredients, products, and manufacturing processes.
• Train, certify, and continuously calibrate sensory panels.
• Analyze sensory and physicochemical data to identify trends and drive preventive actions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root‑cause investigations for sensory and analytical deviations.
• Support CAPA implementation and change control processes.
• Partner with R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams during new product development and product lifecycle management.
• Ensure shelf‑life studies comply with international standards and market requirements.

Requirements

Experience

• 3+ years leading analytical, physicochemical, microbiological, or sensory laboratories.
• Proven experience validating analytical methods (physicochemical and microbiological).
• Experience developing or improving laboratory operations.
• Experience leading technical laboratory teams.
• Background in food, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing industries.

Technical Knowledge

• Analytical method development and validation.
• Sensory evaluation methodologies and sensory statistics.
• HPLC and analytical laboratory instrumentation.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Laboratory quality systems and analytical documentation.
• International stability studies (ICH guidelines preferred).
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and laboratory accreditation processes is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of FSSC 22000 or food safety systems is a strong plus.

Languages

• Advanced English.

What We're Looking For

• Strong analytical thinking.
• Scientific curiosity and problem‑solving mindset.
• Leadership and people development.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration.
• High ownership and accountability.
• Initiative and continuous improvement mindset.

Nice to Have

• Experience building laboratory capabilities from scratch.
• Experience in plant‑based foods, protein ingredients, vitamins, or nutritional supplements.
• International quality or regulatory experience.
• Experience supporting global product launches.

Location

Parque San José del Astillero 2, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico

Work Mode: On‑site

Schedule: Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM