Head of Laboratory

Job Summary

Our client is a prominent textile and apparel manufacturer headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan, with a legacy dating back to 1992. As one of the country’s largest vertically integrated knitted apparel producers, they provide comprehensive solutions spanning fabric production to finished garments. Their clientele includes globally renowned brands such as Nike, adidas, Levi’s, UNIQLO, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Reebok. The company prides itself on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, managing all processes in-house—knitting, dyeing, finishing, cutting, embroidery, printing, stitching, and garment washing—to ensure superior quality and efficiency. Specializing in cotton and cotton-polyester fleece fabrics, they support product lines including T-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants. With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, the company invests in leadership to enhance Right First Time (RFT%) rates, optimize complex dyeing processes, and accelerate time to market. This role requires full-time, onsite presence at their Lahore headquarters and manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and management of lab dips for customer submissions, sampling, and production. Ensure all lab dips meet exact customer standards by utilizing Datacolor and spectrophotometry tools. Develop, validate, and approve bulk dyeing recipes focused on reproducibility and operational efficiency.

Manage the operation and maintenance of advanced laboratory equipment, including rapid lab dyeing machines such as Ahiba and SDL, Lawer Auto Dispensing & Dosing Systems, mini stenter machines for fabric finishing simulations, and the Datacolor software suite (Match Textile, Tools, Monitor). Drive the integration of digital recipes with OrgaTEX and bulk dyeing systems to reduce human error and improve traceability.

Ensure seamless lab-to-bulk reproducibility by maintaining high accuracy in shade matching during scale-up. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for any shade mismatches and collaborate closely with production and quality assurance teams to resolve issues promptly.

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of colorists, dyeing technicians, and lab assistants. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as turnaround time (TAT) for lab dips and percentage of right-first-time bulk recipes. Provide continuous training on new dye classes, customer requirements, and system upgrades.

Evaluate and introduce new dyestuffs, auxiliaries, and process improvements in partnership with chemical suppliers and R&D teams. Optimize chemical and dye consumption to reduce costs and environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards.

Serve as the primary technical liaison between production teams for bulk recipe deployment, R&D for new color and fabric developments, quality control for shade approval, and planning and merchandising teams to ensure alignment on turnaround times and customer expectations.

Required Qualifications

Extensive experience in textile dyeing laboratory management, particularly within wet lab functions. Strong expertise in lab dip creation, recipe development, and shade matching using Datacolor and spectrophotometry.

Proficiency in operating and maintaining advanced dyeing lab equipment and integrating digital systems. Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams with a focus on performance metrics and continuous improvement.

Solid understanding of lab-to-bulk reproducibility challenges and root cause analysis methodologies. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Experience working with internationally recognized apparel brands and familiarity with their quality standards. Knowledge of sustainable dyeing practices and chemical optimization techniques.

Exposure to digital recipe management systems like OrgaTEX. Opportunity to work in a performance-driven, innovation-focused environment within a leading textile manufacturer.

This full-time, onsite role based in Lahore offers a unique chance to lead a critical function in a globally connected textile organization committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability.