Senior Manager Laboratory Operations

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Laboratory Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the performance and development of multiple testing facilities within the region, with a primary focus on the Tullamore, Ireland Laboratory - our largest and most commercially significant site in EMEA/APAC – as well as the Velka Bites, Czech Republic Laboratory.

This role ensures the safe, high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective delivery of Laboratory Testing Services to Customers, while achieving business objectives and driving operational excellence, cultural development, and team growth. As a key member of the regional leadership team, the Senior Manager will work closely with the Director of Laboratory Testing Services EMEA/APAC to execute long-term strategic plans that support sustainable business growth and competitive success.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, capable of inspiring teams, optimizing performance, and delivering results in a fast-paced, Customer-focused environment.

Duties

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of laboratory operations across multiple testing facilities, ensuring validated processes, calibrated equipment, and robust preventative maintenance programs in collaboration with the Technical team.
• Build and maintain an engaged, high-performing workforce through effective leadership, coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Collaborate with the commercial to support business development, manage Customer communications, and ensure high levels of service delivery to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence initiatives, embedding a culture of innovation and continuous performance improvement.
• Ensure services are delivered to the highest standards of quality, cost-efficiency, and timeliness, in line with Customer expectations and business goals.
• Establish and manage site-level procedures and policies aligned with company standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a safe and compliant work environment, ensuring adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations, and promoting a proactive safety culture.
• Support new test development and cost analysis in partnership with Technical Managers to expand service offerings and enhance Customer value.
• Develop and mentor direct reports and site leadership teams, fostering both technical and managerial skill growth.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on operational performance, strategic initiatives, and site developments.
• Lead strategic planning efforts including capital investment, workforce planning, and long-term operational objectives.
• Represent the company within local industry and civic communities, hosting Customer visits and promoting a Customer-centric culture.
• Monitor and achieve key business metrics, goals, and objectives, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy.
• Develop and manage annual business plans, budgets, and performance targets, taking corrective actions as needed to meet objectives.
• Perform other operations-related duties as required to support business needs. This position description is not an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to give a general indication of work undertaken and will vary in the light of changing demands within the business. Substantive changes in the range of work will be carried out on consultation with the post holder.

Education Degree

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ operational leadership experience within the manufacturing, service, or laboratory testing industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, life sciences, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrated ability to contribute to commercial strategy, including pricing, service development, and Customer engagement.
• Solid understanding of core business functions including Human Resources, Finance, Engineering and Quality.
• Proven track record of managing complex operations, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering results in a fast-paced, Customer-focused environment.
• Deep knowledge of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in strategic planning, budget management, and performance optimization
• Demonstrated ability to develop talent, foster employee engagement, and build high-performing teams.
• Experience within the laboratory testing industry, ideally in a regulated environment such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025 and GMP requirements relevant to laboratory operations.
• Prior experience in the medical device industry.
• Able to adapt leadership style to different regional contexts and cultures.
• Strong Customer-facing skills and relationship-building capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• High-level planning, prioritisation, and time management.
• Analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Financial literacy and understanding of business drivers.
• Ability to influence and gain buy-in across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Comfortable working independently and driving initiatives to completion.