Vice President of Operations (Global) – Growing iCRO in Portsmouth

Vice President of Operations (Global) – Growing iCRO in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale operational delivery in a rapidly growing global imaging CRO.
  • Company: Join a dynamic, UK-based imaging CRO with global reach.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Ideal for entrepreneurial leaders ready to drive change and influence at a senior level.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: 12+ years in pharma or biotech, with strong leadership and operational experience.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

APX Life Sciences are partnered with a rapidly growing global imaging CRO that is looking to appoint a Vice President of Operations to lead and scale operational delivery across the business during an exciting phase of growth. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced operational leader who understands how to build scalable infrastructure, drive accountability, improve delivery performance, and support a business preparing for significant expansion. The company operates globally across Europe, North America, and Asia, partnering with pharma, biotech, and CRO clients to deliver imaging solutions supporting clinical trials and drug development.

This role will work closely with the executive leadership team, overseeing operational delivery across Project Management, Imaging Operations, and Data Management functions.

The Opportunity

The business is experiencing strong commercial growth, expanding strategic partnerships, and increasing operational complexity, with additional growth initiatives planned. They need a commercially aware operational leader who can:

  • Build scalable operational processes and infrastructure
  • Lead high-performing global teams
  • Improve operational efficiency and accountability
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration
  • Support strategic growth and delivery excellence
  • Operate confidently within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

This is a highly visible leadership role with genuine influence across the organisation.

Key Requirements

We are keen to speak with individuals who have:

  • 12+ years’ experience within pharma, biotech, CRO, or clinical trial operations
  • 5–7+ years leading global operational teams
  • Minimum 2+ years’ Imaging CRO experience (essential)
  • Strong experience within cross-functional vendor/CRO environments
  • Proven experience scaling operational delivery functions
  • Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking
  • Ability to drive accountability and lead through complexity
  • Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred)

The Individual

The successful candidate will likely be:

  • Entrepreneurial and hands-on
  • Operationally strong but commercially minded
  • Comfortable working in a scaling business environment
  • Confident driving change and challenging where necessary
  • Independent, proactive, and solutions-focused
  • Experienced operating with senior stakeholders and executive teams

This is not a role for someone who requires heavy onboarding or structure - the business needs someone who can quickly assess, improve, and scale operations.

Location & Package

UK-based role Remote with some office working. Greater office presence expected initially, with increased flexibility over time. Competitive and flexible salary/package available for the right individual.

For more information, please apply.

Vice President of Operations (Global) – Growing iCRO in Portsmouth employer: APX Life Sciences

APX Life Sciences is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work culture that empowers leaders to drive significant operational improvements in a rapidly growing global imaging CRO. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities for advancement while fostering collaboration across diverse teams. The flexibility of remote work combined with competitive compensation makes this an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and impactful roles in the life sciences sector.

A

Contact Details:

APX Life Sciences Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Vice President of Operations (Global) – Growing iCRO in Portsmouth

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharma and biotech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading their operational delivery.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've built scalable processes and led high-performing teams in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to drive accountability and improve operational efficiency.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Vice President of Operations (Global) – Growing iCRO in Portsmouth

Operational Leadership
Scalable Infrastructure Development
Accountability
Operational Efficiency Improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Strategic Growth Support
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Vice President of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience in operational delivery and any relevant achievements in scaling processes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for operational excellence and how your background in pharma or CRO environments makes you an ideal candidate.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Provide examples of how you've driven accountability and improved operational efficiency in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and gives you the best chance to stand out in the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at APX Life Sciences

Know Your Operations Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of operational processes, especially in the context of imaging CROs. Brush up on your knowledge of how to build scalable infrastructure and improve delivery performance, as these are key areas they'll be looking for expertise in.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think about specific examples where you've led global teams or improved operational efficiency. Be ready to explain how you drive accountability and foster cross-functional collaboration.

Demonstrate Commercial Awareness

This role requires a strong commercial mindset. Be prepared to talk about how you've navigated complex vendor environments and made strategic decisions that positively impacted business growth. Highlight any relevant experiences from your past roles.

Be Ready for Fast-Paced Questions

Given the entrepreneurial nature of the company, expect questions that assess your ability to operate confidently in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to share how you've successfully managed change and driven results under pressure.