Head of Operations - Biologics, RNA & MMIC

Head of Operations - Biologics, RNA & MMIC

Multi-site (primarily based in Darlington, with regular travel to our Glasgow site) | Permanent | £65,000 - £85,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for aHead of Operations to join CPI's Biologics, RNA Centre of Excellence and Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC).
This is a senior leadership role for an experienced operations professional who is passionate about enabling scientific innovation through operational excellence.

Working across two sites in Darlington and Glasgow, you will be responsible for leading multidisciplinary operational teams, driving continuous improvement, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing the infrastructure and operational capability required to support the growth of CPI's biologics and RNA activities.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will play an important role in shaping the future direction of CPI's facilities, helping to create an environment where innovation, scientific excellence and operational performance can thrive.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing strategic and operational leadership across the Biologics, RNA and MMIC facilities.
• Leading and developing multidisciplinary teams responsible for operations, engineering, facilities and site services.
• Ensuring compliance with GMP, Health & Safety, environmental and quality standards across all operational activities.
• Driving operational excellence initiatives to improve efficiency, performance, reliability and service delivery.
• Overseeing facilities management, maintenance programmes, engineering compliance and critical infrastructure.
• Managing operational budgets and resources to ensure effective and sustainable site performance.
• Developing and implementing operational strategies that support business growth and future capability requirements.
• Managing contractor and supplier relationships to ensure service quality, compliance and value for money.
• Supporting business continuity planning, risk management activities and operational resilience.
• Leading change initiatives, capital projects and site improvement programmes.

About You
We're looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong track record of delivering results within highly regulated scientific, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or advanced manufacturing environments.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Significant leadership experience within regulated operational, manufacturing, engineering or facilities environments.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams across complex technical organisations.
• A strong understanding of GMP-regulated environments and associated compliance requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
• Experience managing operational budgets, resources and continuous improvement programmes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.

Particularly Relevant Experience

Whilst not essential, we would be interested in candidates with knowledge or experience of:

• Biologics, RNA, pharmaceutical or advanced therapy manufacturing environments.
• GMP facilities management and engineering compliance.
• Validation, qualification and change control processes.
• Utilities, cleanrooms and critical manufacturing infrastructure.
• Asset management and maintenance strategy development.
• Lean, Six Sigma or other operational excellence methodologies.
• Large-scale improvement, transformation or capital investment programmes.
• Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Health & Safety qualifications such as NEBOSH.

What We're Looking For

This role would suit someone who:

• Is a visible and inspirational leader who develops and motivates teams.
• Enjoys working at the intersection of operations, engineering and scientific innovation.
• Can think strategically whilst maintaining focus on operational delivery.
• Is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.
• Takes a proactive approach to driving continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.
• Wants to make a meaningful impact on the future of biologics, RNA and medicines manufacturing innovation.

The Opportunity

This is an exceptional opportunity to join CPI at a pivotal time of growth and development.
If you're an experienced operational leader looking for a role where you can combine strategic leadership, operational excellence and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

SRG are the UK number 1 recruitment company specialising in the science, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food/FMCG, renewable, biotech, chemicals and medical devices sectors.

As scientists ourselves, our specialist sector knowledge and our passion are second to none. It's this combination that makes us different. We're committed to providing outstanding temporary, contract and permanent career opportunities of all levels for our candidates and a comprehensive range of expert strategic recruitment services for our clients.
If you have a scientific background and this position is not relevant / suitable for you, please feel free to get in touch or visitto view our other vacancies.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.