Operations Manager Food Microbiology Testing Belgium

Company DescriptionEurofins is an international network of independent life sciences companies, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. The Eurofins network is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across its companies around the world.
Eurofins Food, Feed, Water Benelux makes an important contribution to ensuring food and water safety. The Eurofins network of companies sees this as one of its most important tasks. More than ever we want to know what we eat. We want to know how our food is produced, whether farmers are fairly rewarded and whether the information on the label matches the contents of the packaging. For producers and retailers, among others, it is important to obtain reliable information about the origin of their raw materials and products.
Eurofins Food Testing Belgium offers a total solution in the field of microbiological and chemical analyses of food, feed and products intended for human and animal consumption. We ensure that the quality of water and food is guaranteed at all times. Our focus is on customer focus, quality, competence, team spirit and integrity.
Services:Routine microbiological parameters on food and feed for industry and retail, diversity of methods (ISO, PCR), food and water sampling under accreditation, label accuracy checking.

Job Description
In a nutshell: Are you a passionate leader with experience in operational excellence within the food microbiology industry? Do you excel at driving productivity, quality, continuous improvement and managing teams? Are you motivated by the challenge of leading a food microbiology laboratory? If so, this might be the role for youWe are looking for an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations in Belgium. This role will report to the Managing Director Food, Feed & Water Testing Belgium and will be responsible for leading a team of 50 employees, implementing operational excellence strategies and supporting business growth.
What team will I be part of?You will be part of the leadership team at Food Testing Belgium, reporting directly to the Managing Director. You will lead the operations of key departments, ensuring high standards of efficiency, compliance and continuous improvement while managing day-to-day laboratory functions.
As an Operations Manager, you will:Lead the Food Microbiology departments, ensuring efficient daily operations and adherence to regulatory standards.
Drive initiatives around productivity,cost reduction and optimisation and improving turnaround times to enhance service offerings and client loyalty.
Oversee the bottom line for the business.
Foster a team-oriented environment, encouraging open communication, creativity, and collaboration in problem-solving.
Lead lean management and continuous improvement efforts to optimise laboratory workflows and increase efficiency.
Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that operational goals are achieved.
Ensure cross-selling synergies with other Eurofins laboratories across Europe, leveraging expertise and resources.
Maintain compliance with all relevant legal, contractual, and quality standards, ensuring that the lab remains fully accredited and in line with industry best practices.
QualificationsAre you our kind of extraordinary? You are a leader with strong people management and operations management skills, capable of driving operational excellence in a fast-paced, regulated environment. You thrive on optimising processes, leading teams, and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery.
Background: You bring at least 5 years of experience in an operations/production/manufacturing role, within a food production environment. You have successfully led continuous improvement projects and managed budgets, showing a proven ability to increase productivity and profitability.

Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field (microbiology). 

Skills:
Excellent people management skills with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop teams. Experience in Lean management and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience working within a highly regulated laboratory environment. Strong scientific and organisational skills with a focus on process optimisation and operational efficiency.
Knowledge of English is a must, and French and Dutch is a plus.
Strong communication skills (oral and written), with attention to detail and the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams and external sta