At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Sample Dispatch team and ensure top-notch service delivery in a dynamic research environment.
- Company: Avantor Services, a leader in laboratory support services.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, career growth opportunities, and impactful work in science.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing life-changing science.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in scientific research while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The Opportunity: Sample Dispatch Service Lead (12-Month Temporary Contract) Location: Cambridge, UK
Join Our Team
Avantor Services provides a wide range of laboratory support services designed to help customers save time, reduce operational burden, and increase laboratory productivity. Our teams deliver critical on-site services that enable researchers and scientists to focus on innovation and discovery.
We are currently seeking an experienced Sample Dispatch Service Lead to join our team in Cambridge on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the day-to-day operational delivery of Sample Dispatch services within a complex research environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and continuous improvement, while leading a team of skilled technicians and working closely with customers and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of Sample Dispatch services across the Cambridge site.
- Support the transition of Sample Dispatch operations into a new research facility.
- Directly manage and develop a team, including resource planning, performance management, training, and business continuity.
- Coordinate and prioritize daily operational activities to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Act as the primary point of contact and escalation for Sample Dispatch-related queries and issues.
- Provide operational cover when required and serve as the subject matter expert for Sample Dispatch activities.
- Maintain and update operational documentation, including work instructions, risk assessments, SOPs, and training records.
- Produce and manage operational reports, dashboards, and KPI metrics.
- Prepare and present monthly and quarterly service review materials.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles.
- Support audit readiness and participate in regulatory inspections, health and safety audits, and Gemba walks.
- Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to resolve issues and drive innovation.
- Ensure compliant handling and shipment of materials with special requirements, including controlled substances and radioactive materials.
- Promote a strong culture of health, safety, quality, and compliance.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
- Previous people management experience within a Sample Dispatch, logistics, laboratory support, or similar operational environment.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong customer service orientation and collaborative approach.
- Experience with operational reporting, data analysis, and KPI management.
- High attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Proficiency with IT systems and data management tools.
Desirable Experience
- Up-to-date IATA, ADR, and IMDG certifications or training.
- Experience working within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, research, or laboratory environments.
- Knowledge of shipping regulations and hazardous materials handling.
- Experience leading process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
- Project management experience and the ability to manage change effectively.
- Familiarity with Lean tools and methodologies.
What we offer
- Opportunity to lead a critical operational service within a dynamic scientific environment.
- Exposure to a wide range of stakeholders and strategic projects.
- A collaborative and supportive team culture.
- The chance to make a measurable impact through service excellence and continuous improvement.
If you are a proactive leader with a passion for operational excellence, customer service, and team development, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help us deliver exceptional laboratory support services in Cambridge.
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