Laboratory site manager

Avetix TIC; Bezirk Olten; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Avetix TIC is seeking a Business Unit Manager to lead and grow its microbiology unit in Switzerland. The role combines operational leadership with commercial development, requiring a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach.

You will drive profitability, build client relationships, and identify new opportunities while leading a multidisciplinary team and guiding strategic growth. Microbiology experience is beneficial but not essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in operational, commercial or business unit management within laboratory testing or related life sciences.
• Strong commercial acumen with client development and new business generation experience.
• Understanding of P&L management, budgeting and financial performance.
• Proven leadership to motivate and develop teams.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive approach to growth and strategy.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the operational and commercial performance of the business unit.
• Manage P&L, budgeting, financial performance and profitability.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities and develop client relationships.
• Drive growth through new projects and expanded laboratory services.
• Lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary laboratory team.
• Oversee recruitment, resource planning and team development.
• Collaborate with technical colleagues to ensure high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and business performance.
• Contribute to strategic development of the business.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

P&L management

Budgeting

Client relationships

Growth mindset

Stakeholder management

Team development

Operational leadership

Job description

Industry: Pharmaceutical Testing | Life Sciences | Laboratory Services

The Opportunity

We are partnering with an established international laboratory testing organisation to recruit a Business Unit Manager to lead and develop its microbiology business in Switzerland.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded leader who enjoys combining operational management, business development and team leadership.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for a relatively small, close-knit laboratory team, with a strong focus on driving business performance, developing client relationships and identifying new commercial opportunities.

We are particularly interested in individuals who bring an entrepreneurial mindset, strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance strategic responsibilities with hands‑on operational involvement.

Key Responsibilities

• - Take overall responsibility for the operational and commercial performance of the business unit.
• - Manage P&L, budgeting, financial performance and profitability.
• - Identify and secure new business opportunities, developing relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• - Drive business growth through new projects and the expansion of laboratory services.
• - Lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary laboratory team.
• - Oversee recruitment, resource planning and team development.
• - Work closely with technical colleagues to ensure high-quality service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• - Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and business performance.
• - Contribute to the wider strategic development of the business.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong commercial capabilities with an understanding of scientific or laboratory-based environments.

The ideal candidate will have:

• - Experience in operational, commercial or business unit management within laboratory testing, life sciences, pharmaceutical services or a related scientific industry.
• - Strong commercial acumen, with experience developing client relationships and generating new business.
• - An understanding of P&L management, budgeting and financial performance.
• - Proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• - A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to identify opportunities for growth.
• - Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• - A collaborative and hands‑on leadership style.

Microbiology experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

We would also welcome applications from candidates with broader scientific or pharmaceutical testing experience who demonstrate strong commercial and operational capabilities.

What Makes This Opportunity Interesting?

This is not a traditional laboratory management position.

The role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a business unit, combining operational responsibility with commercial development and strategic growth.

You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the performance of the business, develop new client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of its microbiology services.