About this role
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Deputy Director – Ref°580 Permanent contract (CDI) - full-time (40 h/week) - Entry date: As soon as possible 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. ABOUT THE LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE SANTÉ (LNS) The LNS is a major player in Luxembourg's healthcare sector, serving the country's patients, doctors and hospitals. 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. Its main purpose is to develop analytical activities and scientific expertise relating to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases; to act as the national control or reference laboratory; and to carry out forensic missions. The LNS collaborates closely with the University of Luxembourg and other biomedical research institutions, both nationally and internationally, on research and teaching activities. 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. THE ROLE 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. This is a high-impact leadership position that requires both a strong scientific understanding of laboratory medicine and the managerial maturity to run a complex, accredited, multidisciplinary institution in a regulated public-sector environment. RESPONSIBILITIES 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: Operational leadership: 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. Plan and monitor the day-to-day running of operations to ensure smooth, efficient and resilient progress. Evaluate regularly the efficiency of business procedures according to organisational objectives and drive continuous improvement. Use performance metrics and KPIs to monitor laboratory performance and achieve quality, productivity, revenue and margin targets. Strategy & Innovation Participate in the board meetings and report on operational matters within your domain of competence. Define and oversee the innovation strategy based on the overall LNS roadmap and verify its execution as planned. 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. People, culture & stakeholder relations Lead operations to advance strategy, culture, talent development and quality, with an emphasis on productivity and continuous improvement. Promote an inclusive, high-performance working environment and support the professional development of staff across all departments. Represent the LNS in relevant expert groups and working groups, both nationally and internationally, including interactions with the Ministry of Health and Social Security, hospitals, professional associations and European bodies. PROFILE Qualifications & Experience MD, Pharmacist-Biologist, PhD or equivalent medical/scientific professional qualification in a field related to LNS activities. Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership position within the health or life sciences ecosystem. Leadership experience in a clinical or diagnostic laboratory environment would be a significant advantage. Knowledge of and experience with the Luxembourg healthcare system and its regulatory landscape would be a significant advantage. Previous experience in running complex, multi-departmental operations, preferably in a laboratory or hospital setting. General Leadership & Management Competencies Strategic thinking and vision: ability to translate the LNS mission and national health policy context into a coherent operational strategy and implementation roadmap, setting clear priorities and aligning resources accordingly. Process management: ability to analyse workflows and operational processes and to systematically increase