Head of Process Management and Quality Assurance (W/M)

Our client is a Luxembourgish public research institute. In order to support the Chief Executive Officer and the heads of research departments, especially with regards to various support functions such as operations, project management, finance, information technology and general administration, the institute has created the function of Head of Process Management and Quality Assurance (W/M).

Key responsibilities:

• Assuring the implementation and conduction of continuous improvement processes;
• Assuring that operational and financial resources are efficiently and soundly allocated at all times;
• Assuring that management and research teams receive the adequate operational and technical support at all times;
• Leading, sharing, and organizing the operational management board;
• Organizing, structuring and monitoring the quality performance management and control system;
• Assisting the management and board of directors in the budgetary process management;
• Advising and informing the management and the board of directors with regards to new business opportunities, cost control, and risk management (operational, financial and reputational risks);
• Facilitating a broad variety of projects and ventures;
• Assuring an effective and efficient cooperation between the different business units and departments;
• Assuring and efficient, transparent and reliable flow of information and a smooth and seamless communication process throughout the organization;
• Assisting the management in the articulation of its roles and accountabilities;
• Acting as an advocate, within the public and private sectors, for issues relevant to the institute, its activities and constituencies;
• Advising and informing the management of the institution in its interactions with the press, other business, community and associations, and government agencies;
• Assessing the reliability of financial accounts and information ("Four Eyes principle").

This is a very sensitive senior position that requires a broad variety of technical competencies as well as outstanding interpersonal and social skills. Apart from proven organizational skills, the successful candidate needs to have had a sound exposure to business operations, ideally acquired in a multicultural and multidisciplinary working environment.

An academic education equivalent to MSc or Master is mandatory. An additional qualification, e.g. a MBA from a renowned university, is considered an advantage.

Excellent command of English, French (both written and spoken) is required, additional fluency in Luxembourgish and/or German would be a distinct competitive advantage.

Experience required:

• Relevant professional experience of minimum 10 years in a senior management position, ideally acquired in a larer organization or company;
• Familiarity and proven experience in an academic working environment (university, scientific research body or equivalent) is a competitive advantage;
• Confirmed operational expertise and proven people management skills are mandatory;
• Strong international exposure is a plus;
• Excellent influencing and communication skills are mandatory;
• Solid experience in the management of budgets, financial planning and account management is necessary;
• Sound understanding of legal and compliance matters is necessary;
• Diplomacy and negotiation skills are critical;
• Team building skills with proven experience in developing and maintaining a strong senior management team;
• Outstanding motivation skills with high level of responsibility, result-oriented, mature and capable of working in teams.

Personal qualifications:

• Planning and organizing skills;
• Excellent communication and negotiating skills;
• Strong analytical skills and business judgment;
• Entrepreneurial spirit;
• Problem solver, pragmatic and creative;
• Very pro-active person and positive thinker;
• Business sense, good judgement;
• Hands-on, doer;
• Team-worker.

For this critical coordination role, the retained candidate needs to have a demonstrated track record of achievements and a relevant experience in a managerial position. S/he needs to have excellent interpersonal and outstanding communication skills as well as persuading and influencing competencies. The successful candidate needs to demonstrate initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, a high level of energy and commitment, a strong result orientation, and absolute personal integrity. S/he convinces with a positive attitude and communication, and is dynamic and open-minded.

Please send your application to Rémi Fouilloy, Morgan Philips Executive Search Luxembourg.