Lab Operations Project Manager

About Akkodis

Akkodis, is a global leader in the engineering and R&D market that is leveraging the power of connected data to accelerate innovation and digital transformation. With a shared passion for technology and talent, 50,000 engineers and digital experts deliver deep cross-sector expertise in 30 countries across North America, EMEA and APAC. Akkodis offers broad industry experience, and strong know-how in key technology sectors such as mobility, software & technology services, robotics, testing, simulations, data security, AI & data analytics. The combined IT and engineering expertise brings a unique end-to-end solution offering, with four service lines – Consulting, Solutions, Talents and Academy – to support clients in rethinking their product development and business processes, improve productivity, minimize time to market and shape a smarter and more sustainable tomorrow.

Akkodis is part of the Adecco Group. Our Webstite : www.akkodis.com

Job purpose:

Within the Vx R&D, the Lab equipment team will support operational functions for the Scientific Area Vx R&D laboratories and related documents in collaboration with Lab Automation, Quality for R&D (Q4R&D), EHS&S, Contract Management and Procurement, Maintenance and Engineering in support for the Vx R&D Scientific Area.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Modification

• Oversee small lab modifications related to equipment commissioning across multiple Belgium sites.
• Coordinate and execute lab modification requests from start to finish, ensuring alignment with engineering and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) standards.

Needs Analysis & Feasibility

• Capture user requirements and conduct feasibility studies based on engineering standards and EHS guidelines.
• Review and evaluate documentation to assess potential EHS, QA (Quality Assurance), and engineering impacts.

Technical Solutions

• Analyze and propose technical solutions, including conducting Gemba walks to observe and understand operational realities.
• Support the drafting of critical documents such as URS (User Requirement Specifications), URB (User Requirements Brief), work permits, and related project approvals.
• Collaborate with internal and external service providers to draft RFQs (Requests for Quotations) and technical specifications.

Documentation & Compliance

• Draft and manage technical and EHS documents (e.g., Mo Notice and TCD) in compliance with EHS, engineering, and applicable SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Maintain proper document management and archiving practices to ensure audit readiness and compliance.

Budget & Project Management

• Manage and monitor budgets related to lab modifications for equipment commissioning.
• Perform budget forecasting and ensure effective resource allocation.
• Coordinate interventions with users, Life Cycle Owners (LCOs), and maintenance services, ensuring smooth handovers of installations and modifications.

Master Data & Monitoring

• Monitor updates and changes to Master Data for equipment and infrastructure.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities, proactively addressing potential issues.

Coordination & Communication

• Organize follow-up meetings and manage communications to ensure alignment with stakeholders.
• Serve as the single point of contact for lab modification coordination, fostering strong and collaborative relationships with Engineering teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support the Lead of Lab Equipment in activities related to lab modifications.
• Manage the RMT (Request Management Tool) activities through Tier 1 matrix meetings and participate in Tri-RMT meetings with Engineering to allocate requests based on complexity.

Project Management Responsibilities

Scope Definition & Alignment

• Define the project scope to meet user requirements and ensure alignment with the CPT (Capital Project Team) business case.

Supplier Engagement & Procurement

• Obtain comprehensive equipment quotes, including all necessary components, from approved suppliers in adherence to the Lab Equipment Category Procurement strategy.

Impact Assessment & Planning

• Lead the assessment of infrastructure, EHS, and CSI (Compliance, Sustainability, and Innovation) impacts due to new equipment.
• Collaborate with support functions to develop detailed cost, scope, and schedule estimates.

Resource Planning

• Identify and coordinate resourcing needs to ensure successful project delivery.

Asset Management

• Obtain asset write-off values for projects involving asset disposal or trade-ins.

Cost Estimation

• Prepare total project cost estimates to a +/- 10% level of accuracy using standardized templates.

Project Documentation

• Complete the R&D PIP (Project Investment Proposal) document, including:
• Project Situation, Target, and Proposal
• Alternative courses of action considered
• CAPEX funding request
• Post-implementation benefits and running expenses
• Asset write-offs
• NPV (Net Present Value)/IRR (Internal Rate of Return) analysis
• Vaccines IM code setup information.

Project Execution

• Drive the execution of the PIP, ensuring approved scope delivery within timelines and budget expectations

Finance & Project Controls

• Adhere to finance guidelines and project control requirements, including:
• Managing and controlling the PIP budget
• Monthly cashflow and milestone forecasting
• Contingency usage authorization
• Change control processes.

1. Asset Capitalization Support

• Provide necessary data for asset creation, capitalization processes, and quarterly control reviews.

Required Qualifications

A. Educational Background

Minimum Level of Education :

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline from an accredited university.
• Area of Specialization: Previous experience in a scientific and/or engineering environment is preferred.
• Rationale: This role involves frequent interactions with Scientists, Lab Heads, and support functions such as Engineering, necessitating a solid understanding of scientific principles and technical processes.

Preferred Level of Education :

• Degree: Advanced degree (e.g., master’s degree) in a science or health-related discipline is preferred.
• Area of Specialization: As above.
• Rationale: An advanced degree provides additional depth of knowledge that is beneficial for understanding complex scientific and technical concepts in this role.

B. Job-Related Experience

• Minimum Level of Experience Required:
• At least 5–10 years of cumulative work experience in laboratory and engineering-related roles.
• Rationale: A strong foundation in laboratory operations and engineering is essential to effectively manage the technical, financial, and operational aspects of this role.

C. Other Job-Related Skills and Background

• Strong understanding of engineering standards, EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) requirements, and quality assurance protocols.
• Proven experience in technical documentation and compliance.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building capabilities, with the ability to engage cross-functionally across teams and levels.
• Ability to identify and propose improvement opportunities to optimize project outcomes.
• Experience coordinating with internal and external service providers.
• Solid understanding of laboratory operations, including familiarity with lab equipment.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new functions and challenges.
• Highly autonomous, proactive, motivated, and dynamic personality.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with SAP or equivalent enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.