Deputy Laboratory Manager

Wärtsilä Corporation; Bermeo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wärtsilä Bermeo Laboratory is seeking a Deputy Laboratory Manager to support the Laboratory Manager in leading the Bermeo Laboratory and developing a safe, reliable, efficient and future-ready testing and validation operation.

You will translate priorities into clear plans, coordinate day-to-day execution, and build strong collaboration across functions while acting as deputy when needed. Some travel (~10%) is required, and the role offers succession into the Laboratory Manager position.

Qualifications

• A university degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Operations Management or another relevant technical field.
• Experience in people leadership and team development.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Support Laboratory Manager in setting objectives and prioritising activities.
• Coordinate safe, reliable and efficient laboratory operations and reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, methods and governance.
• Foster collaboration across RDE Testing & Validation and other stakeholders.
• Support development and engagement of laboratory personnel and succession planning.
• Act as Laboratory Manager deputy when required.

Skills

People leadership

Engineering degree

English fluency

Spanish fluency

Planning & prioritisation

Data-informed decision-making

Risk awareness

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

University degree in Engineering/Industrial Management/Operations Management or related field

Job description

to join our team working for a better future.

The position is permanent, and the location is in Bermeo , Spain.

What you will be doing

As Deputy Laboratory Manager, you will support the Laboratory Manager in leading the Bermeo Laboratory and developing a safe, reliable, efficient and future-ready testing and validation operation. You will help turn business and RDE Testing & Validation priorities into clear plans and coordinated day-to-day execution. In this role, you will work closely with our multidisciplinary team and key stakeholders to strengthen performance, capabilities and collaboration. You will also act as deputy for the Laboratory Manager when needed.

As Deputy Laboratory Manager , your work will focus on these responsibilities:

• Support the Laboratory Manager in setting objectives, planning and prioritising activities, following up progress, and ensuring alignment with business needs, safety requirements and Wärtsilä ways of working.
• Coordinate safe, reliable and efficient laboratory operations, including resources, facilities, equipment, budgets, performance indicators, risk management, compliance, delivery quality and reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing our processes, technologies, methods and ways of working, while strengthening governance and operational performance.
• Build effective collaboration across RDE Testing & Validation, business units, engineering, operations, suppliers, partners and other key stakeholders, turning expectations into clear operational priorities.
• Support the development and engagement of our laboratory personnel by clarifying responsibilities, encouraging continuous learning, and fostering ownership, collaboration and accountability.
• Act on behalf of the Laboratory Manager when delegated, ensuring leadership continuity, sound decision-making and timely escalation of risks and issues.

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have:

• A university degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Operations Management or another relevant technical field, together with experience from an industrial, technical, engineering, testing or R&D environment.
• Experience in people leadership and team development, with the ability to build trust, clarify responsibilities, support performance and enable competence growth.
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• A structured and proactive approach to planning, prioritisation, data-informed decision-making, performance follow-up, resource management, risk awareness, safety and compliance.
• The ability to turn strategic priorities into practical actions and to lead continuous improvement and change with sound judgement and a results-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence across functions, organisational levels and cultures in an international environment.
• A curious, open and pragmatic leadership approach, together with high integrity and the courage to challenge constructively, make decisions and take responsibility when acting for the Laboratory Manager.

In this role, some travel is required to meet with our customers around the world. Thus, we hope you to be ready to travel approximately 10%, even though most of the meetings are held virtually.

The Deputy Laboratory Manager role has been created with succession planning in mind, providing the opportunity to progressively prepare for and transition into the Laboratory Manager position.

Why you and us?

We at Wärtsilä believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility of our work. We support each other’s growth and co-creation is the true basis of our innovation. We have courage to see opportunities and take initiative.

We are authentic and honest, and we strongly believe in that by being your own true self you can accomplish so much more. We don’t always get it right the first time, and if mistakes are made, we make sure to learn and grow from them. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, and where you can feel safe and cared for. Are you eager to be part of this ambition?

We have an amazing team and we are excited about our work and the impact it has on building sustainable societies. We are looking to find a colleague with this shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future.

For further questions related to this position please reach out to Kenneth Rönnbäck, Director Testing & Validation, through [e-mail] (o nly for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to).

Welcome to join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy!

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.
Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com .