Lab Network Optimization Lead (F/M/X)

Job Description

Job Description:

Segment : Mars Global Services - R&D Solutions

Location : Aimargues (France), Veghel (Netherlands), Slough (UK), Mogi Mirim (Brazil)

Contract : permanent

Reporting to the Lab Operational Excellence Manager, the Lab Network Optimization Lead is responsible to define and govern the execution of the unified strategy for insourcing and outsourcing testing capability across MGS R&D Solutions and the identified external partner laboratories. The role is accountable to define and ensure the delivery of benefits associated with the evolution of the service model considering customer requirements, maximizing MGS R&D Solutions internal capability and efficiency, and to drive simplification of the external laboratory landscape and leverage our strategic partners for increased value.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Scientific or business-related subject with lab experience required.

• Minimum of 3 years leadership experience at a regional or global level

• Good knowledge of microbiology and chemistry testing, including business needs

• Experience in leading and delivering complex projects

• Outstanding stakeholder influencing and communication skills

• Fluent in writing and speaking English

• Experience in strategy development and deployment

• Experience in working in a complex environment

• Demonstrable record of driving technical change projects with external suppliers or clients

What will be your key responsibilities?

1. Lab Network Optimization projects/activities management

• Define the scope, blueprint, success metrics and plan for Lab Network Optimization projects
• Identify stakeholders and ensure alignment on project priorities
• Ensure clear roles and responsibilities, secure sponsorship and establish governance structures
• Communicate the vision and objectives of the Lab Network Optimization projects
• Manage relationship and communication to a wide range of senior stakeholders at Global and Regional levels
• Set direction and coordinate activities, assign work and motivate project team members
• Manage schedule, budget and change requests for the activities
• Perform effective risk management
• Report progress to steering group using established governance mechanisms and forums
• Accountable for the delivery of commitments and business benefits

2. Build a strategy for testing services delivery model

• Partner with Segments to understand testing needs for today and tomorrow (testing type, volume forecast, Service Level Agreement including Turnaround time etc)
• Lead the definition of the strategy for chemistry and physical testing services delivery
• Build prototypes for service model options to meet Service level Agreement (direct shipment from sites or hub approach, competency center model or duplication of portfolio in each region etc) and conduct benefits/risks assessment
• Define guiding principles for internal vs external portfolio balance. Define standardized criteria for Make vs Buy strategy
• Partner with MGS Lab Digitalization lead and Data Analytics lead to help identifying data opportunities and get access to the necessary data and ensure systems capability can enable the operating model changes that will benefit the business.
• Partner with lab BCM global lead, Regional Lab teams and MGS Commercial teams to develop courier routes and enable testing samples shipping across borders when deemed necessary

3. Lead Regional Network reviews/ right sizing projects with MGS Commercial co-pilot

• Maximize efficiency of all MGS internal regional labs through scope and portfolio adjustments in collaboration with regional Directors and Lab Efficiency lead.
• Partner with MGS Commercial co-pilot to collect a comprehensive view of external capabilities, enabling Regional Labs to lead the identification and deployment of tailored solutions for their regions. Provide recommendations to the business regarding external partnerships for each region based on these insights
• Drive simplification of the external laboratory landscape and leverage our strategic partners for increased value.
• Partner with Regional Lab Operations Directors and their teams to drive the deployment of the selected changes to the network.
• Build technical specifications for external labs for tendering processes
• Ensure network agility, resiliency and business continuity by partnering with Lab BCM Global Lead while balancing cost for lab network
• Work closely with MGS Commercial to manage commercial risk and drive further value for MGS R&D Solutions

4. Develop and coordinate the implementation of Global Strategic Suppliers management process with MGS Commercial co-pilot and MGS LT

• Collaborate closely with MGS Commercial co-pilot on maintaining and continuously improving the Global Strategic Suppliers (GSS) Management process including Key Performance Indicators defined with governance team, and the global governance structure to enhance Mars’ risk and opportunity management within the MGS Labs supply base
• Act as MGS R&D Solutions coordinator for global SteerCo and Annual reviews with GSS, responsible for planning, preparing and facilitating these sessions while gathering key inputs from stakeholders and supplier commitment to drive effective meetings
• Work closely with the MGS R&D Solutions Leadership team, the Regional Lab Operations Directors and the Laboratory Sciences and Expertise Director in particular to ensure the effective GSS management process to deliver consistent performance management and optimize the value Mars receives for its spend with the 5 identified GSS.

What can you expect from Mars?

• At Mars, we believe in a relationship of mutual trust, dignity and respect between our company and Associates that is more meaningful than the standard employer/employee relationship.

• As Associates, we can expect to be respected, supported and valued as individuals, to be treated fairly and equitably.

• The opportunity to learn and develop, taking charge of your own career across Mars.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.