Are you an experienced operational leader with a real
interest in geotechnical engineering and how it supports
construction and infrastructure? Fugro is looking for a Laboratory
Operations Manager to lead our team and facilities in
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. This is a key role where you'll have a
direct impact on our Belgian operations and contribute to important
energy and infrastructure projects around the world. What You'll Be
Doing: This role is about leading our laboratory operations
effectively. You will be: - Running a Key Operation: You'll be in
charge of two geotechnical laboratories and a warehouse. This
includes making sure everything runs smoothly day-to-day. - Leading
and Supporting Your Team: You'll manage and guide a team of around
5 engineers (including Quality Staff), 15 technicians, and 2
logistics staff. Helping them develop and work well together is a
big part of this. - Driving Development: You'll play an important
part in developing our laboratory capabilities in Belgium and help
grow Fugro's business here. We're looking for someone who can be a
driving force for positive change and improvement. - Maintaining a
Strategic View: While managing daily tasks, you'll also keep an eye
on the bigger picture for the labs – managing people, equipment,
and ensuring good planning. - Upholding Quality and Standards:
You'll be a technical go-to person for the lab, making sure all
work meets our quality and safety standards (including QHSSE and
UKAS). - Working with Others: You'll collaborate closely with our
UK lab in Wallingford and other teams within Fugro, ensuring good
communication and shared goals. More Specifically, Your
Responsibilities Will Include: - Overseeing the team and daily work
of the geotechnical laboratories and warehouse, ensuring tests are
done efficiently and on time. - Supervising, mentoring, and
coaching your team members. You'll also be involved in recruiting
new staff. - Making sure safety and testing standards are high, in
line with company procedures and accreditations. - Communicating
regularly with the Head of Geotechnical Laboratories, various
managers, and other lab staff to ensure projects run smoothly and
clients are satisfied. - Looking for ways to improve and develop
the Louvain-la-Neuve laboratory and contribute to business growth
in Belgium. What We're Looking For: We need someone who is good
with the technical side of things and also a strong people leader.
- Education: A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a
similar field, or equivalent experience. - Operational Experience:
3-8 years working in an operational role. Knowledge of soil testing
and an understanding of offshore marine geotechnical projects would
be helpful. - Management Experience: 3-8 years of experience
leading and motivating teams. - Languages: You need to be
proficient in both English and French. - Skills: Good numeracy and
literacy. A solid understanding of how to manage operations, strong
supervisory and team motivation skills, the ability to plan and
prioritize, good communication skills, and experience giving
direction and feedback. Why Join Fugro? We aim to create a good
working environment at Fugro. Here's what you can expect: - A
Collaborative Place to Work: We try to foster a supportive,
team-based atmosphere. - A Diverse Team: You'll join a
multicultural team where people are encouraged to learn and share
ideas. - Work-Life Balance: We focus on getting the job done and
support family-friendly working practices. - Employee Wellbeing: We
care about our employees' health and wellbeing. What We Offer: - A
competitive salary and benefits package. - Opportunities for
training and career development, in Belgium and internationally. -
A fixed annual salary review. Interested? If you're an operational
leader who enjoys geotechnics and is motivated by the idea of
developing both facilities and people, we'd like to hear from you.
This is a chance to make a real contribution at Fugro. Disclaimer
for recruitment agencies: Fugro does not accept any unsolicited
applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro
Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated.