Australia MD: Strategic Growth Leader in Public Health

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America; Australia; On-site; AUD 340,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES ASUREQUALITY JOINT VENTURE in Australia is seeking a Managing Director to provide strategic vision, operational leadership, and full P&L responsibility for the Australian organisation. You will drive sustainable growth, ensure laboratory excellence, and lead cross-functional teams while aligning with regional leadership and global standards.

You will shape long-term growth plans, manage key client relationships, oversee budgeting, and represent the company to authorities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of operational management experience with a strong commercial focus and at least 5+ years of successful full P&L leadership experience.
• Strong financial knowledge (P&L, budgeting, cash management), deep understanding of food testing market regulations, quality management systems (QMS), and laboratory microbiology/chemistry operations.
• Proven track record in increasing sales, driving operational efficiency, enhancing profitability, and managing New Product/Service Introductions (NPI) and change management.
• Managing Vision & Purpose, Entrepreneurial Drive (M&A and service innovation), Driving Execution, Dealing with Ambiguity, Developing People, and Motivating Others.
• High Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence in multicultural environments
• Established connections within the local Australian food ecosystem (clients, regulatory authorities, industry associations, R&D, academia).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Australian business's long-term strategic and operational growth plans (organic expansion and M&A integration), aligning local initiatives with regional priorities.
• Coordinate profitable commercial strategies and sales plans with the Sales and Marketing Director, negotiate with major strategic clients, manage pricing, and ensure superior customer care service and market share expansion across testing and non-testing solutions.
• Lead, animate, and motivate the Australian organization by creating a culture of trust, high engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, driving talent retention and skills development.
• Act as strategic sponsor of operational excellence by empowering laboratory operations leadership while allocating optimal resources to scale production capacity and achieve customer satisfaction targets.
• Deploy a portfolio of innovative services (including sustainability solutions, lean productivity initiatives, and Expert Partners business) by connecting local teams to global and regional ecosystems.
• Guarantee seamless execution of the Quality Management System (QMS) overseen by the QHSE team, maintaining full regulatory compliance, adherence to group standards, and robust internal controls across all sites.
• Closely work with the CFO to supervise the budgeting process, monitor payroll and operational costs, and hold full P&L and Cash Management accountability while co-leading business reviews to achieve revenue and operating profit targets.
• Promote and act as the primary representative of Mérieux NutriSciences externally in the local Australian marketplace with governmental authorities, key business associations, and industry organizations.
• Serve as an active member of the ASPAC regional leadership team, actively supporting and contributing to the regional strategy and business performance.

Skills

General management

Operational efficiency

P&L leadership

Financial knowledge

People development

Change management

Entrepreneurial drive

M&A experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Science, Engineering or Business

Job description

A MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES ASUREQUALITY JOINT VENTURE in Australia is seeking a Managing Director to provide strategic vision, operational leadership, and full P&L responsibility for the Australian organisation. You will drive sustainable growth, ensure laboratory excellence, and lead cross-functional teams while aligning with regional leadership and global standards.

You will shape long-term growth plans, manage key client relationships, oversee budgeting, and represent the company to authorities