Director of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (M/F) Freelance (Essonne 91)

Project overview

Context of the mission

On behalf of a leading international group specializing in veterinary diagnostics, we are looking for a Transition Laboratory Director.

Positioned at the direct interface between local operations and European leadership, you will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial management of a major analytical site located in Essonne. Your objective: to ensure service continuity, maintain the excellence of standards, and successfully carry out European harmonization projects.

Mission challenges and objectives

Profile sought

Practical arrangements

• Operational Excellence & Compliance:
• Ensure overall management of site activities: productivity, turnaround times (TAT), and customer satisfaction.
• Define, monitor, and optimize operational performance KPIs.
• Guarantee strict compliance with current regulations, quality systems, and biosafety standards.
• Team Management & Leadership:
• Supervise, support, and develop the skills of a team of Lab Managers.
• Unite all technical and administrative staff around a culture of safety, well-being, and high performance.
• Financial Management:
• Manage the operational budget (site P&L) and ensure profitability targets are met.
• Transformation & European Alignment:
• Lead optimization projects: automation, IT/LIMS integration, and continuous improvement of workflows.
• Ensure strategic liaison with European management (reporting, risk and opportunity identification, sharing of best practices between sites).
• Collaborate with transversal functions: P&O/HR, Finance, IT, Quality, and Logistics.
• Education: Higher scientific degree Bac+5 / Master's, Doctorate (PhD, M.D.), or Engineering degree in biology, veterinary sciences, or biomedical sciences.
• Required Experience:
• At least 10 years of experience in an analysis, diagnostic, or regulated health laboratory.
• Minimum 5 years in team supervision and management of managers.
• Proven experience in change management within international matrix organizations.
• Key Skills:
• Influential leadership and ability to unite multidisciplinary teams.
• Solid financial acumen (budget management, profitability analysis).
• Fluent English and French (written and oral, bilingual level required for exchanges with Europe).
• Mastery of quality systems and laboratory diagnostic standards.
• Work environment: On-site presence in Essonne (technical platform and offices), combined with interactions with regional teams.
• Travel: Approximately 20% of the time (site visits and meetings in France and Europe).
• Contract: Mission open exclusively under freelance service contract or via a payroll outsourcing company.

Project details

• Start: flexible
• Remote: onsite
• Location: 91300 Massy, France, FR
• Languages: French