# Lab Operations Excellence Manager

> Unilabs · Porto, Portugal · Full-time · Posted 2026-09-30

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** Operations

## Description

**About Unilabs**

Headquartered in Geneva and part of the A.P. Moller Group, Unilabs is one of Europe's leading medical diagnostics companies, offering a complete range of laboratory, pathology, genetics, and imaging services to patients across 16 countries. Unilabs invests heavily in technology, equipment, and people - using digital technologies in its state-of-the-art laboratories and imaging institutes - to improve the lives of close to 100 million people every year.

**About the role**

The LAB Operations Excellence Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence (e.g., Quality, Cost,  Safety), by across all modalities of the Laboratory Operations in the market.​

This role ensures that Unilabs delivers world-class diagnostic laboratory services through process optimization and standardization, capability building, and data-driven performance management.​

It acts as a centre of excellence for operational best practices, supporting the Market Head of LAB Operations in aligning with HQ standards, regulatory requirements, and strategic business goals.​

**Key Responsibilities**

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement​

·       Lead Lean based initiatives, in articulation with the Laboratory Directors, to optimize end-to-end laboratory process and workflows.

·       Standardize and enforce implementation of SOPs and operating models across modalities to ensure consistency, quality, and cost efficiency.​

·       Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, ensuring adherence to Turnaround Time (TAT) and First-Time-Right performance metrics.​

·       Coordinate operational reviews, benchmarking performance against internal and external standards.​

Performance Management​

·       Define and track operational KPIs across modalities (e.g., TAT, compliance rate, and capacity metrics).​

·       Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to monitor performance trends and enable data-driven decision-making.​

·       Drive corrective actions and ensure continuous alignment with HQ standards.​

Innovation, Automation & Transformation​

·       Partner with IT, Medical, and Commercial teams to lead AI, automation, and digital transformation initiatives in laboratory operations.​

·       Introduce new technologies that improve efficiency and diagnostic accuracy (e.g., AI to support diagnostic, predictive maintenance).​

·       Ensure process harmonization across laboratory modalities.​

Capability Building & Change Enablement​

·       Promote a continuous improvement culture by training and mentoring operational teams on process management and problem-solving techniques.​

·       Facilitate local adoption of global standards and processes and support leadership in change management communication.​

Compliance, Quality & Safety​

·       Ensure all operational processes comply with Health and Safety regulations,​

·       Work with Medical & Quality to ensure all operational processes comply with accreditation standards, monitor non-conformities and drive preventive actions and lessons learned.​

·       Participate in risk assessments and support internal/external audits.​

People & Culture​

·       Manage and develop the technical and professional skills of team members, enhancing delivery against strategic and operational goals​

·       Ensure effective communication flows to foster engagement, alignment with Unilabs’ vision and culture​

## Requirements

**Education​**

University degree in Engineering, Healthcare Management, or related field (Master’s preferred)​

**Experience**

·       5–8 years of experience in Laboratory or Diagnostics Operations (preferable), with at least 3 years in process improvement roles.​

·       Proven experience in Operational Excellence, Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).​

·       Strong understanding of Laboratory operations and workflows, from sample collection to results delivery. (preferable)

·       Experience with data analytics tools, dashboarding and KPI management.​

·       Solid project management experience and skills

·       Familiarity with AI and digital health technologies used in diagnostic operations.​ (preferable)

·       Knowledge of healthcare compliance frameworks.​ (preferable)

·       Strong influencing and stakeholder management in cross-functional environments.​

·       Analytical, structured, and results-oriented mindset with a focus on problem-solving.​

·       Excellent networking, communication and influencing abilities.​

·       Change leadership and ability to embed continuous improvement culture.​

**Languages**

·       Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written).​

·       Additional languages are a plus​

## Apply

[Apply at Unilabs](https://apply.workable.com/unilabs/j/90E2F05EE1/apply)

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