General Manager-Food & Analytical Testing Laboratory

General Manager – Food & Analytical Testing Laboratory

Location: Dubai

Employment Type: Full-time, On-siteReporting To: BoardAbout the OpportunityAn established and accredited food and analytical testing laboratory in Dubai is entering a new phase of growth and transformation.The laboratory provides accredited food safety, quality and analytical testing services covering chemistry, microbiology, residues and contaminants.

Its clients include food producers, importers, retailers, hospitality groups and public authorities.The business is currently undergoing a significant turnaround and restructuring phase and is seeking a commercially driven, hands-on General Manager to lead the transformation, improve operational and financial performance, and drive sustainable growth.This is not a caretaker role. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of the business, implement meaningful improvements and work closely with the Board to deliver measurable results.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & TurnaroundTake full ownership of the laboratory's P&L, overall performance, profitability and transformation.Develop and execute a restructuring plan covering laboratory operations, sample logistics, commercial and support functions.Improve productivity, efficiency and scalability across the business.Translate Board strategy into clear operational and commercial results.Commercial & Business DevelopmentLead the commercial growth strategy and develop new business opportunities.Build and maintain relationships with food manufacturers, importers, retailers, hospitality and catering groups, regulators and other relevant stakeholders.Develop framework contracts and key accounts and increase recurring sample volumes.Identify opportunities to expand into adjacent testing segments such as water, feed, environmental, halal and export certification support.Own pricing, quotations, test-package design and margin management while balancing competitiveness, profitability and turnaround-time commitments.Finance & ControlsTake proactive control of cash flow, receivables and payables.Manage consumables, reagent expenditure and capital expenditure on laboratory instruments.Establish accurate and transparent financial and operational reporting.Develop and monitor KPIs including sample volumes, revenue per test, turnaround time, instrument utilisation, cost per sample and DSO.Operations & QualityOversee day-to-day laboratory operations, sample reception and logistics.Ensure effective utilisation of laboratory equipment and capacity.Drive operational efficiency, cost control and timely delivery of results.Maintain data integrity, health & safety and client service standards.Maintain and expand ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation scope, EIAC and Dubai Municipality approvals.Ensure readiness for client and accreditation audits.Support method development and proficiency-testing performance.LIMS & Process TransformationLead the selection, implementation or upgrade of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).Improve sample tracking, laboratory processes and reporting.Support integration of LIMS with laboratory instruments, invoicing and client reporting systems.Establish greater visibility and control through reliable operational data.People & OrganisationLead and restructure a team of approximately 30–80 employees.Establish clear roles, responsibilities and reporting structures.Develop technical capabilities across laboratory teams.Effectively manage scientific teams including laboratory managers, chemists, microbiologists, analysts and quality personnel, alongside support functions such as sampling, logistics, customer service, administration and finance.Candidate ProfileMinimum 10 years of professional experience, including significant senior management responsibility.Proven experience as a General Manager, Laboratory Director, Operations Manager, Head of Laboratory or similar senior leadership position.Deep hands-on experience within the Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) industry.Ideally, experience within food, agricultural or environmental analytical laboratories.Proven track record in business turnaround, restructuring or transformation.Strong commercial and business development capabilities with an established network within the Local food and regulatory ecosystem.Demonstrated experience in P&L management, pricing, cost control, cash flow and profitability improvement.Experience with LIMS implementation or transformation projects.Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025, accreditation audits and method validation.Knowledge of Local /GCC food safety regulations and the local regulatory environment.Familiarity with laboratory technologies such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS and PCR is advantageous.Local/GCC market experience is strongly preferred.Scientific degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science or a related discipline is strongly preferred.Fluent English is required; Arabic is an advantage.Willingness to be based in Dubai and work on-site.Comfortable working with a hands-on, data-driven Board and operating in a highly accountable environment.What the Role OffersFull operational and commercial leadership of an established, accredited laboratory.Opportunity to lead a significant business transformation and turnaround.Responsibility for shaping the laboratory's next phase of growth.Direct exposure to the Board and investors.Opportunity to drive commercial expansion, operational improvement and value creation.