Laboratory Operations Manager

ALTER TECHNOLOGY TÜV NORD; Madrid; Híbrido; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A prominent technology firm in Madrid is seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee laboratory operations, coordinate shifts, and drive performance improvements. The ideal candidate has a relevant engineering background and experience in a high-tech environment. This position offers flexible working hours and numerous benefits, supporting work-life balance.

Servicios

Flexible working hours

Home office option two days per week

Life insurance

Formación

• Prior experience in a laboratory or high-tech environment managing multiple teams.
• Effective issue resolution under time pressure.
• Familiarity with Lean methodologies is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Lead operational planning and ensure adherence to test calendars.
• Manage workload balancing and shift coordination.
• Prepare the lab for large programs and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Conocimientos

Proven experience managing laboratory operations

Strong stakeholder communication skills

Data-driven mindset

Hands-on experience in short-term planning

Leadership presence

Educación

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Herramientas

ISO / IEC 17025 systems

Descripción del empleo

Overview

ALTER TECHNOLOGY GROUP (ATG), a company of TÜV NORD GROUP, is an international leader in engineering and test of microelectronics and equipment, and in assembly of opto- and microelectronic components and equipment, within the aerospace and other high-technology markets. We are always on the lookout for motivated people. The challenges that await you are as varied as the work we perform in a highly technological, innovative and international environment. Demanding tasks require initiative, the ability to work as part of a team and the courage to make decisions. Are you ready to take responsibility, can you empathize with our customers and find innovative solutions for their needs? Then you are welcome!

At ALTER TECHNOLOGY TÜV NORD S.A.U. in Seville, we are currently seeking to fill the following position: Laboratory Operations Manager.

Your tasks

• Operational planning: Consolidate inputs across areas, publish and adjust the short-term plan, and secure adherence to test calendars; re-prioritize swiftly when deviations occur.
• Workload balancing & shift coordination: Distribute work across teams and equipment; coordinate people, shifts, and windows for critical activities across physical analysis lab, RF, electrical measurements, pre-production, etc.
• Resources & materials: Monitor consumables and shared means; control operating expenses; work with maintenance / calibration so critical assets are available and fit-for-use.
• Incident & urgency management: Lead fast triage and containment of issues; take immediate decisions (re-plan, authorize urgent purchases, reassign people / equipment) within agreed limits; escalate only major risks.
• KPIs & continuous improvement: Define and track key performance indicators (e.g. On-Time Delivery, Turn-Around Time, First Pass Yield, equipment availability, plan attainment); run follow-ups and actions to remove bottlenecks and improve flow.
• Team leadership & development: Mentor and coach laboratory staff (in coordination with their supervisors) to enhance skills and performance; foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous excellence.
• Cross-functional communication: Serve as the operational point of contact; run brief daily / weekly production meetings; proactively report status, risks, and needs to the Laboratory Manager and other stakeholders.
• Project readiness: Prepare the lab operationally for large programs, aligning capacities, materials, and schedules in advance.
• Compliance interface: Coordinate with the Quality department to ensure operations adhere to ISO / IEC 17025 practices (equipment control, personnel competence, records management) and all lab safety protocols. Support audit preparations and implement corrective actions or process updates as needed to maintain compliance.

Your profile

Required :

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or a related field (or equivalent experience in a technical environment).
• Proven experience managing or coordinating operations in a laboratory or high-tech environment with multiple teams and shared resources.
• Hands-on experience in short-term planning and capacity / shift management, including effective issue resolution under time pressure.
• Data-driven mindset with practical experience defining and using operational KPIs to drive performance.
• Familiarity with working under ISO / IEC 17025 laboratory quality systems (e.g. equipment control, record-keeping, staff competence, and validity of results) and / or applying lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills and transversal leadership ability; fluent in Spanish and professional working proficiency in English.

Desirable

• Exposure to Lean or continuous improvement initiatives in lab operations (e.g. optimizing workflow, leveling workloads, reducing waste), and familiarity with MES / ERP, LIMS or other planning tools for laboratory management.
• Certification or formal training in process improvement methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Experience in RF / electronic testing environments or other high-mix, high-tech laboratory settings.
• Higher Technical Certificate or university degree in Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge of electronic and mechanical systems, with the ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and equipment manuals.
• Knowledge of quality assurance, inspection, and metrology standards; experience with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation processes (e.g. participating in internal or external audits) is a strong plus.
• Project Management certification (PMP or similar), demonstrating ability to manage projects and coordinate cross-functional efforts.

Abilities

• Self-motivated and proactive, with excellent prioritization and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities efficiently.
• Attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all operations and documentation.
• Leadership presence and the ability to influence without direct authority, building cooperation across teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact clearly with colleagues, suppliers, and customers.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Continuous learning mindset and willingness to stay updated with the latest advancements in laboratory techniques, equipment, and best practices.

What we offer you

Our flexible working hours scheme and comprehensive holidays package help you to better balance your work and personal life besides home office option two days per week.

We actively support our employees in their personal and professional advancement with a wide range of internal seminars and our management development.

You can also look forward to a number of attractive benefits such as life insurance, a flexible