At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a UK pharmaceutical manufacturing site with full operational accountability.
- Company: Join AssureBio, a key player in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a regulated environment while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing with regulatory experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
AssureBio is exclusively recruiting a Site Head / Head of Operations for a UK pharmaceutical manufacturing site, operating within an MHRA and FDA regulated environment and currently integrating into a large international pharmaceutical organisation.
The Role
- Reports to: Executive Vice President – Operations
- Full operational accountability for a well-established UK manufacturing site employing over 100 people
- Direct leadership across Production, Engineering & Maintenance, and Warehouse & Logistics, with wider leadership responsibility across multiple operational functions
- Governance oversight of Quality (QA/QC), Supply Chain Planning, Procurement, Finance, HR and EHS
- Owns the operational budget and is accountable for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People performance
- Leads the site through regulatory inspection readiness, operational transformation, digital systems implementation and ongoing site improvement initiatives
What you must bring
- Currently operating as a Site Head, Head of Operations, Head of Manufacturing, or one level below with genuine site-wide responsibility
- Minimum 4-5 years’ recent leadership experience within pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Recent (within the last three years) leadership experience in an MHRA and/or FDA regulated manufacturing environment. This is essential
- Demonstrable leadership across Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Warehouse
- Budget ownership and strong commercial awareness alongside a visible, hands‑on leadership style
- A track record of leading operational teams through change, such as technology transfer, new product introduction, business integration or operational transformation
- Experience leading MHRA and/or FDA inspections
- Experience supporting business integration or site transformation programmes
- Lean Six Sigma or Operational Excellence qualification
- Degree in Pharmacy, Engineering, Life Sciences or equivalent senior industry experience
Working Pattern
- Monday to Friday, five days on site
- Availability outside core hours for operational support when required
- Occasional international travel
- Relocation support available for the right candidate
Head of Site employer: AssureBio
AssureBio is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our UK pharmaceutical manufacturing site, where you will lead a dedicated team of over 100 professionals. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, while fostering a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence. With the backing of a large international pharmaceutical organisation, you will have the unique advantage of being part of transformative initiatives that shape the future of healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Site
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like AssureBio. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like AssureBio.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like AssureBio. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what AssureBio is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Site
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at AssureBio!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show AssureBio that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at AssureBio!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At AssureBio, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at AssureBio
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at AssureBio that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with AssureBio’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
