Test Lab Senior Manager

About the Role

This position involves overseeing the test lab activities within a new EU Center of Excellence based in Dublin. The Center will incorporate multiple test stands that serve the demands of cooling and heating for Data Center, Mission Critical, and Decarbonization sectors. Upon full operation, the facility will include up to 20 personnel such as operators, technicians, and test engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and develop a qualified workforce for the new laboratory ensuring all technicians and engineers possess necessary EU-authorized certifications like F-gas and electrical safety certificates.
• Lead and supervise the project to define, design, build, and commission the new test lab.
• Manage day-to-day test lab operations, effectively balancing customer requirements with available resources.
• Work closely with customers to guarantee test quality and timely delivery of results.
• Control both operational and capital spending for the lab.
• Collaborate across global test labs (including locations in York, US and Wuxi, China) to exchange best practices.
• Monitor operational metrics to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and expand automation processes aimed at enhancing utilization and productivity.
• Drive standardization of test equipment and operational procedures across different labs.
• Represent the company in labor union contract discussions.
• Implement cross-training among operators and flexible workforce planning.
• Use Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving tools (such as A3 and 8D) to foster continuous operational improvements.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant EU regulations, health and safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Maintain strong coordination with teams in Product Development, Advanced Technology, Project Management Office, and Sales Engineering.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Experience ranging between 10 to 15 years in supervising test laboratory or manufacturing operations.
• Preferably, direct exposure to chillers or HVAC product environments.
• Knowledge or hands-on experience in Data Center cooling technology testing is highly favorable.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent professional background.
• Strong grasp of Lean principles, structured problem-solving, and KPIs monitoring.
• Excellent organizational capabilities to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated expertise in team-building and leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to operate within a matrixed and culturally diverse workspace.
• Proven track record handling relationships with senior-level business stakeholders.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time.