Western Europe Technical Manager

The Western Europe Technical Manager leads and coordinates strategic technical initiatives across ALS sites in Germany, France and Switzerland. The role ensures alignment between regional business priorities, EMEA programmes and ALS global technical objectives, while promoting the OneALS approach. Working closely with General Managers, Laboratory Managers and technical teams across EMEA, the role drives technical development, method harmonization, innovation, automation, sustainability and operational excellence throughout the region. The position can be based at the ALS location in Altenberge, Germany, or Lyon, France. The role involves regular domestic travel within Germany and international business travel across the Western Europe region, including Germany, Switzerland and France.

Responsibilities

Coordinate major cross-site technical projects across Germany, France and Switzerland; Translate global and EMEA technical strategies into regional priorities and implementation plans; Establish project scope, timelines, milestones and success measures; Monitor project delivery, manage risks and dependencies, and provide progress updates to the Technical Director EMEA; Support the consistent implementation of global and regional technical standards across all sites; Lead and coordinate regional method-development and harmonisation initiatives; Evaluate existing analytical methods and laboratory practices to identify opportunities for standardisation and improvement; Facilitate the transfer and implementation of methods and technical expertise between laboratories; Ensure method-development priorities reflect operational requirements, quality standards and business needs; Identify and assess emerging technologies, automation solutions and innovative laboratory practices; Develop business cases and recommendations for relevant technical investments; Support the implementation and adoption of new technologies and capabilities across the region; Promote technical solutions that improve efficiency, quality, scalability and environmental performance; Remain informed about scientific, regulatory and technological developments relevant to laboratory operations; Support continuous-improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory performance, productivity and quality; Facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, lessons learned and best practices across Western Europe and the wider EMEA region; Encourage collaboration between sites and promote consistent technical practices in line with the OneALS approach; Participate actively in ALS technical meetings and contribute to regional and global technical discussions; Build effective working relationships with General Managers, Laboratory Managers and technical specialists; Align technical priorities with operational needs and regional business objectives; Act as the regional technical point of contact for major projects and cross-site initiatives; Communicate technical topics, project outcomes and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Requirements

Tertiary qualification in science, analytical chemistry or a related scientific discipline; Minimum of 7 years' professional experience in the laboratory industry or similar role; Strong technical knowledge of laboratory practices, analytical methods and laboratory workflows; Experience in laboratory operations, method development, method transfer and/or technical project coordination; General knowledge of laboratory quality and accreditation requirements, including ISO/IEC 17025; Ability to identify and assess new technologies, automation solutions and continuous-improvement opportunities; Strong communication and presentation skills; Collaborative and team-oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively across countries, sites and functions; Results-oriented approach with strong organisational and follow-up skills; Ability to influence stakeholders and drive initiatives within an international matrix organisation; Professional working proficiency in English is required; Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly within Germany and internationally across France and Switzerland, with occasional travel to other European locations

Nice to have

Previous people-management or functional-leadership experience is an advantage; Knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage

Benefits

Support to develop new skills and reach full potential; Programs and opportunities to build a diverse career