Western Europe Technical Manager

ALS Germany GmbH; Altenberge; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS is seeking a Western Europe Technical Manager to lead regional technical initiatives across Germany, France and Switzerland. Based in Altenberge, or Lyon, you will align regional priorities with global objectives and drive harmonisation, innovation and operational excellence.

You will coordinate multi-site projects, manage timelines, foster knowledge sharing and liaise with General Managers and Laboratory Managers.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in science, analytical chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in laboratory industry or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of lab practices, analytical methods and workflows.
• Experience in method development, transfer or project coordination.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
• Ability to identify new technologies and automation opportunities.
• English working proficiency; German/French knowledge is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly within Germany and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-site technical projects across Germany, France and Switzerland.
• Translate global strategies into regional priorities and plans.
• Lead method-development and harmonisation initiatives.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies and automation solutions.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across Western Europe.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Lab operations

Project coordination

Technical leadership

Quality systems

English proficiency

Stakeholder management

Cross-country collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Science degree

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Role Purpose

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.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Strategy and Project Coordination

• 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 in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor project delivery, manage risks and dependencies, and provide regular progress updates to the Technical Director EMEA.
• Support the consistent implementation of global and regional technical standards across all sites.

Method Development and Harmonisation

• 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 that method-development priorities reflect operational requirements, quality standards and business needs.

Innovation, Automation and Sustainability

• 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.

Operational Excellence and Knowledge Sharing

• 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.

Stakeholder Management

• Build effective working relationships with General Managers, Laboratory Managers and technical specialists across the region.
• 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 both 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.
• Previous people-management or functional-leadership experience is an advantage.
• 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, knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly within Germany and internationally across France and Switzerland, with occasional travel to other European locations.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.