At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large-scale laboratory services operation and ensure top-notch service delivery.
- Company: Join a world-leading life sciences organisation based in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a strong benefits package and a culture of trust and empowerment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a no-micromanagement environment with significant visibility.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in regulated environments, especially laboratory services.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.
Location: Cambridge, UK Client Site: Our Client (Global Life Sciences Organisation)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Site Director to lead a large-scale Laboratory Services operation for our client, a world-leading life sciences organisation based in Cambridge. The role has responsibility for the operation of approximately 190 employees, supporting multiple customer sites. This is a high-impact leadership position with end-to-end ownership of service delivery. You will balance people leadership, operational excellence, and stakeholder management, ensuring services are delivered safely, compliantly, and in line with contractual obligations and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Acting as the primary interface between the customer, external service partners, and internal VWR teams, the Site Director plays a critical role in maintaining strong relationships, managing risk, and driving sustainable operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and direction for a complex, multi-site laboratory services operation
- Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient service delivery aligned to contracts and SLAs
- Maintain consistent service quality while driving operational excellence
- People Leadership
- Lead, develop, and inspire a workforce of approximately 190 employees
- Build strong management capability through coaching, mentoring, and performance leadership
- Foster a positive, accountable culture focused on engagement and continuous improvement
- Stakeholder & Customer Management
- Act as the senior point of contact for customer stakeholders
- Manage relationships with external service providers and internal functions
- Confidently manage expectations, priorities, and competing demands
- Governance, Compliance & Risk
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory, GMP, and EHS requirements
- Maintain robust governance frameworks and proactively manage operational risk
- Lead audits, inspections, and issue resolution as required
- Continuous Improvement & Financial Performance
- Identify efficiencies, implement lean practices, and drive innovation
- Deliver cost, productivity, and process improvements
- Maintain financial oversight, budget management, and performance reporting
What Works Well in This Role
This role suits a leader who thrives in complexity and brings both structure and presence. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
- Comfort operating under pressure and managing competing priorities
- Confidence engaging and influencing multiple stakeholder groups
- The ability to set boundaries and push back constructively when required
- A genuine passion for people leadership, with a strong track record of developing managers and teams
- Openness to challenge - and the confidence to challenge upwards appropriately
What We're Looking For
- Proven senior leadership experience managing large-scale, site-based operations
- Background in laboratory services, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, or other regulated environments
- Experience delivering against contracts, SLAs, and customer expectations
- Strong understanding of regulatory, GMP, and EHS requirements
- Commercial awareness with a focus on quality, compliance, and service excellence
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
What makes this role particularly attractive is the environment and level of autonomy. You will be embedded within one of the world's leading life sciences organisations, operating in a culture built on trust, flexibility, and empowerment - this is very much a no-micromanagement environment. The role offers significant visibility, a strong benefits package, and genuine scope to make a lasting, measurable impact on a critical operation within a long-term customer partnership.
Site Director, UK South in Croxton employer: Avantor
Avantor is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge that fosters trust, flexibility, and empowerment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our culture prioritises continuous improvement and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact in the life sciences sector. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to advancing life-changing science and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Director, UK South in Croxton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Site Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your leadership style. This will help you showcase how you can lead their operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and complex operations. Highlight your achievements in driving operational excellence and compliance.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Director, UK South in Croxton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Site Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant background in laboratory services or life sciences. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your experience with stakeholder management and operational excellence.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage complex operations, and drive continuous improvement. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and the specifics of the Site Director role. Understand their operations, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams and complex operations. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired and developed your team, as well as how you've handled challenges in a high-pressure environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, think of instances where you've successfully managed relationships with various parties. Be prepared to discuss how you balance competing demands and maintain strong communication with both internal and external stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on regulatory, GMP, and EHS requirements relevant to laboratory services. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach governance and risk management in this new position.
