Lai Ojewale

Results-driven Laboratory Manager and Lead Microbiologist with 18+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical and FMCG industries. Proven expertise in quality control operations, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and process improvement. Skilled at designing and implementing quality management systems, conducting risk assessments, leading cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Strong analytical capabilities in root cause analysis, deviation management, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation. Seeking to transition into Quality Control Management to leverage deep microbiological expertise and operational leadership to ensure product excellence and regulatory adherence.

Laboratory Manager, Lead Microbiologist & Ass. HSE Coordinator at Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited (2021-03 – Present)

• Directed quality assurance protocols and laboratory operations for a team of 8 analysts, ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical cGMP, WHO guidelines, and internal regulatory requirements; conducted laboratory inspections, reviewed testing procedures and SOPs, and maintained calibration programs for all quality-critical equipment.
• Led occupational health and safety compliance initiatives, including safety audits, incident investigation, and development of safety programs; ensured adherence to OSHA protocols and environmental, health, and safety regulations across laboratory and production areas.

Regulatory Affairs Officer at Nigerian German Chemicals PLC (2019-02 – 2021-02)

• To ensure appropriate licensing, marketing and legal compliance of pharmaceutical products.
• Responsible for completing reports and applying for any licenses required for operations.
• Undertaking and managing regulatory inspections.
• Keeping up to date with change in regulatory legislation and guidelines.
• Ensuring that quality standards are met and submission meet strict deadlines.

Senior QC Microbiologist at Nigerian-German Chemicals Plc (2016-01 – 2019-01)

• Developed and reviewed Analytical Testing Procedures (ATPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality documentation; ensured total compliance with in-house validated and global compendial requirements and quality policy through systematic documentation oversight and procedure validation.
• Managed environmental monitoring and microbial contamination control across manufacturing areas; coordinated water treatment systems, sanitization procedures, and fumigation protocols to maintain WHO GMP microbial standards and prevent product contamination during manufacturing.
• Mentored junior microbiologists and built a collaborative, high-performing team; identified root causes of contamination incidents and implemented corrective actions to prevent future occurrences; collaborated with cross-functional teams on new product development and complaint/stability investigations.

QC Microbiologist at Nigerian-German Chemicals Plc (2008-02 – 2016-01)

• Implemented rigorous microbiological quality control testing procedures and validated new analytical methods, improving accuracy and reliability of results while reducing contamination risks in laboratory and production environments.
• Conducted trend analysis on historical microbiological data to identify quality gaps and areas for improvement in microbial control strategies; supported continuous improvement initiatives by recommending and evaluating process changes within the QC department.

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology – Lagos State University (2000-01 – 2005-09)

WAEC/ SSCE with Certification – Queen's School Ibadan (1992-09 – 1998-06)