Business Unit Manager Food Testing

Eurofins Scientific - Nederland; Heerenveen; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Eurofins Scientific - Nederland is seeking a hands-on Business Unit Manager (Chemistry) to lead and transform its Food Testing laboratory in Heerenveen. The role focuses on operational excellence and cultural transformation, requiring strong leadership skills and experience in regulated environments. Responsibilities include managing P&L, driving efficiency, and leading a team of approximately 40 employees. The position calls for a Bachelor's or Master's degree and fluency in Dutch.

Qualifications

• Experience in operational leadership roles (Site Manager, Operations Manager, Business Unit Manager).
• Proven experience with P&L responsibility and financial management.
• Strong background in regulated environments such as food production, laboratories, life sciences, or pharmaceuticals.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the Business Unit P&L, driving performance, efficiency, and profitability.
• Lead day-to-day operations of the laboratory, ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Drive a cultural transformation, shifting the team towards a proactive and performance-driven way of working.

Skills

Operational leadership

P&L responsibility

Change management

Team leadership

KPI management

Data-driven decision making

Operational efficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food, Life Sciences or relevant field

Job description

Overview

Eurofins Food Testing Netherlands is looking for a hands-on Business Unit Manager (Chemistry) to lead and transform its Food Testing laboratory in Heerenveen. This role is focused on operational excellence, cultural transformation, and business performance, and is well suited to candidates coming from food production, laboratory, or other highly regulated environments.

You will join the Eurofins Food Testing Netherlands organisation, working closely with the Commercial Director and reporting into the leadership structure of the site.

The role is based at the site in Heerenveen, where multiple food testing business units operate together. The site is currently undergoing a significant transition, including a move to a new laboratory setup and a strong focus on improving operational performance and team culture.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the Business Unit P&L, driving performance, efficiency, and profitability
• Lead day-to-day operations of the laboratory, ensuring high-quality delivery and turnaround times
• Drive a cultural transformation, shifting the team towards a more proactive, accountable, and performance-driven way of working
• Build structure through KPI management, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead and develop a team of ~40 employees (indirect) through strong, visible, hands-on leadership
• Ensure business continuity and customer satisfaction, maintaining strong relationships with key clients
• Collaborate closely with the Commercial Director to align operational delivery with customer needs and growth ambitions
• Support the transition to the new laboratory setup, ensuring stability while improving performance
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, processes, and overall site performance

Qualifications

• Experience in operational leadership roles (e.g. Site Manager, Operations Manager, Business Unit Manager)
• Proven experience with P&L responsibility and financial management
• Strong background in regulated environments such as food production, laboratories, life sciences, or pharmaceuticals
• Experience leading teams of 30–50+ employees
• A hands-on leadership style with the ability to drive accountability and performance
• Experience with change management / turnaround situations
• Strong understanding of KPIs, processes, and operational efficiency
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment
• Affinity with scientific or technical environments (chemistry/lab knowledge is a plus)

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Food, Life Sciences, Engineering, Business)

Languages

• Fluent Dutch (mandatory)
• English proficiency