Head of Laboratories H/F

This position is part of CRH 's centre of excellence in cementitious materials science, which serves two complementary missions: delivering high-quality technical support to our business operations (including complex troubleshooting and new product development), and leading innovation programmes on behalf of the Group.

Our Technical Centre laboratories are in an exciting phase of transformation and growth. With expanding teams, enhanced capabilities, and ambitious quality objectives, we're building the laboratory operations of tomorrow—and we need a talented leader to help drive this vision forward.

Your Mission: Be the Driving Force Behind Laboratory Excellence

As Lab Manager, you'll be at the heart of our laboratory operations, orchestrating technical excellence across multiple teams and ensuring we deliver outstanding results that make a real difference. Reporting directly to the Technical Centre Director, you will supervise Laboratory Managers and play a pivotal role in the operational performance and continuous improvement of our technical teams.

How You'll Make an Impact

Drive Testing & Compliance

• Deliver on commitments by ensuring customer deadlines are consistently met and workflows run smoothly.
• Champion safety by guaranteeing strict compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Drive technical and safety improvements across laboratory workstations, partnering with laboratory managers to identify and implement breakthrough enhancements.
• Ensure rigorous follow‑up of decisions and action plans.
• Set the standard for professional excellence in sample and consumable management.
• Ensure reliability through meticulous oversight of equipment maintenance, operation and metrological compliance.
• Maintain cutting‑edge standards by coordinating updates to analysis procedures and control charts.

Orchestrate Planning & Optimize Resources

• Establish and optimize laboratory work programs, proposing strategic adaptations to maximize efficiency.
• Anticipate challenges and elevate coordination issues proactively, ensuring timely resolution.
• Unlock value by identifying and optimizing resources across all laboratories.
• Safeguard continuity by monitoring backup procedures and driving corrective actions.
• Support laboratory managers in preparing quotations and contribute to strategic equipment investment planning.
• Maintain financial rigor through careful tracking of orders and expenditure.
• Build capability by identifying talent development opportunities and proposing targeted training.
• Energise teams through cross‑laboratory initiatives that sustain motivation and drive results.
• Connect and align as the vital communication bridge between all technical centre stakeholders.

Qualifications

With a Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or technical field, you bring proven experience in laboratory environments, including team coordination responsibilities. You are highly organised, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively while consistently delivering quality results. You are recognised for your ability to motivate and coordinate teams, and you have a solid understanding of budget tracking as well as laboratory quality, safety, and environmental standards. Results‑driven and committed to excellence, you operate comfortably in a bilingual environment with fluent French and professional‑level English.

What Awaits You

• You Shape the Future – Operationalise the transformation of laboratory operations and champion continuous improvement.
• Growth & Development – A dynamic environment with professional development opportunities.
• Direct Leadership Access – Report directly to the Technical Centre Director and influence strategic direction.
• World‑Class Resources – Access to modern facilities and cutting‑edge technical equipment.
• Collaborative Excellence – Work alongside a passionate team of dedicated professionals.

EQIOM promotes diversity, encourages the inclusion of its staff and supports them in their career development. We are committed to considering all applications on the basis of equal merit and with due respect for each individual.