Laboratory General Manager (Hardlines and/or Softlines)

About the role

We are supporting a multinational testing and inspection group in the consumer goods sector. The scope and final title will be calibrated based on the successful candidate’s experience and strengths. The role leads laboratory operations across multiple sites in Asia, with a focus on delivering high-quality, compliant, and timely testing services.

Potential scope (depending on seniority)

• Senior level (GM / Regional Head): Own P&L, strategy, regional footprint planning, and senior stakeholder management.
• Manager level (Lab Manager): Lead day-to-day operations for a discipline (Hardlines or Softlines) and drive safety, quality systems, and delivery performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations across one or multiple sites, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and accreditation requirements (e.g., ISO 17025) and maintain robust quality management systems.
• Oversee testing methodologies and continuous improvement for chemical, mechanical, and performance testing relevant to consumer goods.
• Manage lab resources including staffing plans, capability development, equipment utilization, maintenance, and investment proposals.
• Drive service delivery KPIs including turnaround time, accuracy, capacity planning, and customer satisfaction.
• Act as an escalation point for technical and operational issues and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Partner with commercial and operations teams to support client projects, new service development, and regional initiatives.
• Produce regular reporting on operational performance, risks, and improvement actions.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials, Physics, or related field. Advanced degree or MBA is a plus (more relevant for senior scope).
• Relevant laboratory leadership experience in consumer goods testing (hardlines and or softlines).
• Strong knowledge of lab operations, safety practices, quality systems, and accreditation expectations.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams across multiple sites or cultures is strongly preferred.
• Budget ownership and P&L experience is required for senior scope and is a plus for manager scope.
• Strong communication skills in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Who this suits

• Candidates open to relocating to Hong Kong.
• Leaders who balance technical rigor with operational execution and people development.