Director of Operational Strategy

Eurofins

. Develop and execute a multi-year operations strategy for rapid microbiology food testing .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeRemote • Wisconsin • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing operations strategies for microbiology food testing, with a strong focus on throughput improvement, cost management, and compliance with industry standards such as ISO 17025 and FDA/FSMA. Proven ability to lead teams, drive automation initiatives, and enhance laboratory workflows to meet high-volume demands.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Laboratory Operations ManagementLean Six Sigma Green or Black BeltFood Microbiology KnowledgeFinancial Acumen in Budgeting and P&L ManagementLIMS and Laboratory Automation Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Operations Strategy DevelopmentProcess ImprovementCapacity ModelingThroughput OptimizationCost Per Test Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInfluencing SkillsLeadership and Mentoring

Tools & Technologies

LIMSPower BITableauLaboratory Automation Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Lean Six Sigma Green BeltLean Six Sigma Black Belt

Industry Keywords

ISO 17025FDA/FSMAUSDA-FSISGFSIFood Safety

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute a multi-year operations strategy for rapid microbiology food testing
Build capacity and demand plans reflecting seasonal volume swings and customer segments
Lead annual and long-range operating planning, including cost, headcount, throughput and capital targets
Own turnaround-time, on-time-delivery and throughput performance
Identify and remove bottlenecks from sample receipt through report release
Lead lean and continuous improvement programs across laboratory workflows
Standardize workflows and best practices across lab teams and applicable multiple sites
Partner with Scientific leadership to evaluate and deploy rapid methods, including validation, verification and rollout plans
Drive automation, LIMS and digital initiatives improving productivity, data integrity and traceability
Build business cases for equipment, facility and capacity investments
Ensure operating plans support ISO 17025, FDA/FSMA, USDA-FSIS, GFSI and customer audit requirements
Partner with Quality to reduce error rates, retests and nonconformances
Plan business continuity, including reagent, consumable and supply chain resilience
Align capacity and service commitments with Commercial on new programs, pricing and customer onboarding
Partner with Finance on cost per test, margin, labor productivity and P&L performance
Develop and mentor operations leaders and build the talent pipeline for technical and supervisory roles
Deliver turnaround-time, on-time-delivery and cost-per-test targets
Secure approval for a multi-year capacity and operations roadmap
Launch or scale at least two rapid-method platforms or automation projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Life Sciences, Engineering or a related field
10+ years of progressive experience in laboratory operations, operations strategy, process improvement or business operations within testing laboratories, food safety, diagnostics or life sciences services
At least 5 years in a leadership role
Demonstrated track record of improving throughput, turnaround time and cost per test in a high-volume laboratory environment
Working knowledge of food microbiology, rapid methods and FDA/FSMA, USDA-FSIS, GFSI schemes and ISO 17025
Strong financial acumen, including capacity modeling, budgeting and P&L management
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with scientists, laboratory managers and senior customers
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification preferred
Experience with LIMS, laboratory automation and BI tools such as Power BI and Tableau
Prior experience with M&A integration, new site launches or multi-lab network standardization

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salary
Performance-based bonus
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Opportunities for professional development within a global network
International opportunities to strong performers
Increased areas of responsibility for successful leaders, subject to geographic mobility