General Manager – Food & Analytical Testing Laboratory

About the role

An established, accredited food and analytical testing laboratory in Dubai is entering a new phase of growth and transformation. The General Manager will own the business, lead a turnaround, improve operational and financial performance, and drive sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the laboratory's P&L, develop and execute a restructuring plan covering operations, sample logistics, commercial and support functions.
• Lead commercial growth, build relationships with food manufacturers, importers, retailers, hospitality groups and regulators, and expand into adjacent testing segments.
• Control cash flow, consumables, reagent and capital expenditure, and establish transparent financial and operational reporting with KPIs.
• Oversee day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensure ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and maintain health & safety and client service standards.
• Lead LIMS selection, implementation or upgrade and integrate it with instruments and invoicing systems.
• Restructure and lead a team of 30‑80 employees, defining roles, responsibilities and technical capabilities.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience in a testing, inspection & certification environment, preferably food, agricultural or environmental labs.
• Proven track record in business turnaround, restructuring or transformation and strong commercial development skills.
• Experience managing P&L, pricing, cost control, cash flow and profitability.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025, accreditation audits and method validation.
• Scientific degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science or related field is preferred; fluent English required, Arabic an advantage.

Required skills

• PCR
• LC‑MS/MS
• GC‑MS
• ICP‑MS
• LIMS implementation or transformation
• Method validation

What we offer

• Full operational and commercial leadership of an accredited laboratory.
• Opportunity to lead a significant business transformation and turnaround.
• Direct exposure to the Board and investors.
• Responsibility for shaping the laboratory's next phase of growth.