General Manager in Altenberge

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you'll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven General Manager - Food Business to lead the performance, growth, and strategic direction of our food business. This role will be responsible for managing business operations, developing customer and market opportunities, ensuring financial performance, and building a high-performing team.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, commercial acumen, operational expertise, and a passion for delivering high-quality services and sustainable business results.

Key Responsibilities

Business Leadership and Strategy

Develop and implement the overall business strategy in alignment with company objectives.

Lead the growth and expansion of the food business across existing and new markets.

Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.

Monitor market trends, customer needs, competitor activity, and industry developments.

Translate strategic priorities into clear objectives and actionable business plans.

Financial and Commercial Management

Take overall responsibility for business revenue, profitability, budgets, and financial performance.

Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and business plans.

Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions where required.

Drive sustainable growth while managing costs and operational efficiency.

Ensure commercial decisions are supported by accurate analysis and sound business judgment.

Operations and Service Delivery

Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the food business.

Ensure services are delivered consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with customer and company requirements.

Maintain high standards of quality, food safety, compliance, and risk management.

Identify opportunities to improve processes, productivity, and customer experience.

Ensure operational activities comply with all applicable legislation, policies, and industry standards.

Customer and Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Ensure customer expectations are understood and consistently met.

Lead the resolution of significant customer issues and commercial concerns.

Represent the business at industry events, customer meetings, and relevant forums.

Promote a customer-focused culture throughout the organisation.

People Leadership

Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.

Establish clear objectives, accountabilities, and performance expectations.

Support recruitment, succession planning, talent development, and workforce planning.

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented working environment.

Promote company values, employee engagement, health and safety, and professional development.

Governance, Quality, and Risk

Ensure the business operates in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Maintain effective controls for quality, food safety, health and safety, environmental performance, and business risk.

Support audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ensure significant risks and business issues are identified, escalated, and appropriately managed.

Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

About You

You will be a strategic and hands-on leader with demonstrated experience managing a food-related business, division, or complex operational environment. You will be comfortable balancing commercial priorities with customer service, quality, compliance, and people leadership.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Significant senior management or general management experience in the food, food testing, food manufacturing, food services, supply chain, or related industry.
• Proven experience managing budgets, profitability, business planning, and operational performance.
• Demonstrated success in business development, customer relationship management, and commercial growth.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of quality, food safety, regulatory, and risk-management requirements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and decision-making abilities.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in business, food science, food technology, operations, or a related discipline.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in a laboratory, technical services, certification, inspection, or food compliance environment.
• Knowledge of relevant food industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience managing change, transformation, or business integration initiatives.
• Experience working across multiple locations or in an international organisation.

If you are a dynamic business leader with deep food industry exp