Laboratory Service Manager

The Opportunity:

Avantor is looking for a highly-skilled and motivated Laboratory Services Manager , to join our team in Cambridge, UK . In this role, you'll take responsibility for the management of a team of Laboratory Managers and Technicians. You'll be responsible for ensuring the effective operation of multidisciplinary laboratories, playing a key role in enabling cutting-edge science across various therapeutic areas.

This role will be a full-time permanent position based in a brand-new facility at the customer site - The Discovery Centre , Bio-Medical Campus in Cambridge. Next to an attractive salary, we offer multiple benefits such as a bonus, pension scheme, private medical and dental care, and an additional day off for your birthday.

Working hours : Monday to Friday, core hours

The Team

You'll be part of a team of four highly-skilled Laboratory Services Managers, each of whom is responsible for different areas of the services. You'll be managing a team of Laboratory Managers, Service Lead and Laboratory Technicians, based in tissue culture laboratories. You'll be responsible for mentoring and leading 24 associates, however 14 of them are reporting directly to the Service Lead. You'll belong to our business department Lab and Production Services, which supports big pharmaceutical companies and laboratories all over the world, in Research and Development within the Life Sciences industry.

What we're looking for:
Education: A degree in a science-related discipline or equivalent experience/familiarity with laboratory environments, scientific processes, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GxP, SHE requirements) is preferable
Experience: Proven experience in managing teams, including recruitment, performance management, and staff development, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry, but we'll also consider applicants from other backgrounds like manufacturing
Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams
Excellent problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, particularly under time pressure.
Experience in managing operational service delivery, driving efficiency, and improving outcomes.
Proficient in data analysis and reporting, particularly using Microsoft Excel and IT systems.
Strong understanding of health and safety compliance, including COSHH and risk assessments

How you'll thrive and create an impact
Lead and develop a team of associates across multiple laboratory spaces, ensuring effective performance and staff growth
Ensure smooth service delivery, maintain strong customer relationships, and drive improvements in operational effectiveness
Oversee Health and Safety standards, conduct risk assessments and ensure adherence to COSHH regulations
Manage performance issues, conduct reviews, and provide KPI reports to track and improve operations
Provide operational support on projects, identify process improvements and drive innovation, cost-savings and sustainability initiatives

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Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

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3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.
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