Bereichsleiter einkauf / produktion / logistik (m/w/d)

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Deputy Director – Ref°580
Permanent contract (CDI) – full-time (40 h/week) – Entry date: We are currently seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a strong scientific background and proven senior leadership skills to oversee the day-to-day operational functions of the LNS. As Deputy Director, the COO is a strategic and operational thought partner to the CEO, the CFAO/Deputy Director, and to the Board of Directors. He/she effectively supports production and service activities, plans and monitors the running of business to ensure smooth and sustainable progress, and directly oversees the six medical/scientific departments. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and increasing the efficiency of LNS operations in order to accelerate the institution’s development and secure its long-term success.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the LNS is a multidisciplinary public institution organized around six medical/scientific departments, two of which are designated as national diagnostic centers for human genetics and pathology respectively.
The LNS employs over 400 highly qualified staff with diverse professional backgrounds. In the field of diagnostics, the LNS covers medical biology, microbiology, forensic medicine, environmental and occupational medicine, morphological and molecular pathology, and clinical genetics, including state-of-the-art sequencing for rare diseases, oncology and pathogens. The LNS is a key institutional stakeholder in national public health programs, in particular the National Rare Disease Plan and the National Cancer Plan.
As COO and Deputy Director, you will occupy a central position in the LNS leadership team. You will act as the operational backbone of the organisation, translating strategic objectives set by the CEO and the Board into concrete plans, processes and outcomes across all departments. You will participate to the management committee, drive cross-departmental collaboration, and ensure that the LNS consistently meets its quality, scientific, financial and public-service obligations.
Under the responsibility of the CEO and in close collaboration with the CFAO and the heads of the six medical/scientific departments, your main responsibilities will include:
Lead and coordinate the six medical/scientific departments, ensuring alignment with the overall LNS strategy and institutional goals.
Closely collaborate with the CEO and the CFAO on strategic, operational and financial matters.
Use digital approaches and data to increase organisational capabilities, deliver efficiencies, improve operational robustness and foster a “digital culture” and data-driven approach within the LNS.
Drive the adoption of new diagnostic methods, technologies and laboratory information management systems.
Promote an inclusive, high-performance working environment and support the professional development of staff across all departments.
MD, Pharmacist-Biologist, PhD or equivalent medical/scientific professional qualification in a field related to LNS activities.
General Leadership & Management Competencies
Process management:
Change management:
Stakeholder management:
skilled at building and maintaining productive working relationships with internal stakeholders (department heads, board, CEO, CFAO) and external parties including the Ministry of Health and Social Security, hospitals, the University of Luxembourg, national agencies and international reference networks.
proven experience in recruiting, mentoring and retaining highly qualified scientific and administrative personnel; capacity to make sound, evidence-based decisions in complex and time-sensitive situations, drawing on quantitative data analytics as well as professional and scientific judgement.
Quality management and accreditation:
deep knowledge of laboratory quality systems (ISO 15189, 17025 & 9001) and the ability to oversee regulatory compliance across multiple accredited departments; hands-on experience with external accreditation audits, proficiency testing programs and continuous improvement cycles.
thorough understanding of Luxembourg’s legal and regulatory framework governing public health institutions, including the LNS founding law of 7 August 2012, and ability to navigate the requirements of the Ministry of Health and Social Security as supervisory authority. proven ability to oversee and coordinate highly specialised departments spanning medical biology, microbiology, anatomic and molecular pathology, genetics, forensic medicine and environmental/occupational health protection, ensuring workflow synergies and cross-departmental collaboration.
hands-on experience with the implementation or optimisation of laboratory information management systems (LIMS/LIS), electronic health record integration, and data-driven approaches to laboratory operations; Biosafety and risk management:
thorough understanding of biosafety regulations, containment levels (BSL 1–3) and risk management frameworks applicable to a multidisciplinary diagnostic and forensic laboratory environment, including the handling of infectious materials and sensitive medico-legal samples.
Research, innovation and academic partnership management:
ability to support and coordinate translational research activities in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg, the national cancer and rare disease programmes, and international biomedical networks; experience in applying for and managing research grants or public–private partnerships is a distinct asset.
Strong analytical mindset with working knowledge of data analysis, performance metrics and operational reporting.
IT skills: proficiency in MS Office suite, ERP/management control software and familiarity with LIMS platforms.
fluency in both English and French is mandatory. Proficiency in Luxembourgish and/or German would be strong additional assets.
A senior executive role with real strategic and operational impact at the heart of Luxembourg’s national health system.
A stimulating, multidisciplinary scientific environment with a team of over 400 highly qualified professionals.
Close collaboration with national and international institutions, academic partners and public health authorities.
A permanent full-time contract with competitive remuneration.
Opportunities for professional development, continuing education and participation in international expert networks.
At the final stages of the recruitment process, the successful candidate will be asked to provide supporting documentation including copies of diplomas and certificates of employment.