We're looking for a hands-on Chief Operating Officer to join a well-established clinical diagnostics business.
This is an urgent hire. Operations need attention, and we need someone who can step in quickly, build credibility with site leaders, and start making a real difference from day one.
The Role
This isn't a figurehead position — it's an execution role. You'll be on the ground, working directly with site leaders and managing directors across four locations to identify inefficiencies, harmonise processes, renegotiate supplier contracts, and drive meaningful cost savings.
You'll report directly to the Country Lead, who is focused on finance, strategy, and M&A. Your job is to own the operational layer entirely — the thing that needs the most attention right now.
Day-to-day you'll be focused on:
* Taking full ownership of operations across multiple sites
* Analysing what's working and what isn't — then fixing it
* Harmonising duplicated processes and aligning working practices across locations
* Reviewing and renegotiating long-standing supplier contracts
* Implementing cost reduction initiatives to improve profitability
* Building strong relationships with site MDs and operational teams
* Supporting integration activity as the business continues to acquire and grow across the DACH region
Significant travel across all sites is a core part of this role.
What We're Looking For
* Senior operational leadership experience, ideally at COO level or equivalent
* A track record of process improvement, cost optimisation, and supplier negotiation across complex organisations
* Someone who is hands-on and execution-focused — able to operate at the detail level, not just set direction
* Strong influencing skills; you'll be working across sites without direct line authority over all teams
* A background in clinical diagnostics, healthcare, or lab equipment/supply is a strong advantage
* Understanding of German healthcare and insurance structures is required
Why This Role?
For an experienced COO, this is a compelling opportunity — a business with real scale, genuine operational challenges to solve, and a leadership team that wants someone to come in and own it. The impact of good work here will be visible quickly, and the path forward for the right person is significant.
If you're an operationally driven senior leader who thrives on making complex businesses run better, we'd love to hear from you.
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