Froukje Jansen - Operations Manager, Eurofins Food, Feed & Water Benelux
Whatever you eat, there's a good chance it was first checked at Eurofins in Heerenveen. In their state-of-the-art laboratory, Froukje Jansen and her team ensure the highest standards in food safety. "You work with products that everyone knows, and no day is the same," says the Operations Manager.
Froukje Jansen - Operations Manager
The new laboratory of Eurofins in Heerenveen is a gem. White, sleek lines and a modular design make this building not only modern but also practical. Everything is designed with an eye on the future. Froukje: "If we want to change the layout in five years, we can do so without any problems. The lab is completely modular. That's a luxury you don't often have."
Eurofins, with over 900 laboratories, is the world's largest commercial lab. What happens here in Heerenveen?
"We analyze everything you can find in the supermarket for chemical parameters; from bread and minced meat to herbs and mayonnaise. Even an intact squid has been examined here to determine if the water it swam in was contaminated. In this largest lab in Northern Netherlands, everything revolves around food safety. We ensure that what people eat not only meets regulations but is also reliable and safe."
The lab is brand new. Can you give an example of an innovation that has made a real difference?
"One innovation we are proud of is the automation of certain analyses. With robots, we now perform tests that were previously done manually. Super cool! This has not only increased our efficiency but also significantly reduced the risk of errors. This aligns with our approach to continuously improve; if we have a good idea, we implement it immediately. We focus not only on processes but also on sustainability, for example, by reducing the consumption of consumables."
What trends and developments do you see in food diagnostics?
"The food sector is changing rapidly. People are more conscious of what they eat. There is a growing demand for vegetarian and plant-based products, and companies want this to be thoroughly controlled. Geopolitical events also have a direct impact. This is reflected in the shifting market demand and the need for different methods or analyses. Our market is constantly evolving, requiring us to remain flexible and adapt quickly. This makes the work here never boring."
And the challenges?
"The biggest challenge is finding good staff. This is a common issue in the entire industry, but we find that those who come to work here often stay for a long time. This says a lot about how people experience it here. Sometimes, former colleagues even come back. It shows that our culture is truly something special."
What are the ambitions for this lab in the future?
"We will expand our services with the food value package. No one in the Netherlands is doing this yet, but the demand is growing. Additionally, we will continue to focus on automation and process improvement. Our goal is to work more efficiently and sustainably without compromising on quality."
You just mentioned that the culture within Eurofins is special. In what way do you mean that?
“The atmosphere is informal and approachable. There is no rigid hierarchy; everyone can walk into any room. Additionally, there is a strong sense of mutual involvement and during meal times we all sit together. This creates a cozy atmosphere. Inclusivity is also a strong point. Everyone is respected here. Whether you are blue, speak Frisian or not; everyone feels at home.”
You manage the team leaders. How do you see your role as a manager?
“I am a manager focused on development. If I see someone growing and maybe even becoming better than me, then I have done my job well. I want to help people discover their strengths and further develop them. This is not only beneficial for the individual, but also for the team and the organization. I am convinced that people perform better when they enjoy their work and feel that they are contributing something.”
Is that also what you look for in a new team leader?
“Absolutely, I am looking for someone who is focused on development, both for themselves and for the team. You must be willing to coach and help people grow. Moreover, humanity is very important. A team leader must understand what someone is good at and allow that person to excel in it. If you are a very directive leader, this is not the right place for you.”
Describe that place. What is it like to work at Eurofins?
“At Eurofins, you have plenty of opportunities to develop in a modern and dynamic environment. You work on important topics such as food safety and with products that everyone knows from the supermarket. The work is challenging and varied; often I don't know what the afternoon will bring, partly due to our SOS line for urgent questions. There is also close collaboration with the different departments; customer support, HR, and our Micro department. Our modern lab, combined with a great team, makes this an inspiring place where you can work with pride.”
Ready for the next step? Then get in touch with us.
Photographer: Tom Coehoorn (ThomasVaer Photography)
[Published: December 2024]
