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 45000 - 55000 £ 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.
Sample Dispatch Service Lead in Thetford employer: Avantor
As a Production Coordinator at our Lab 3 facility, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality services to a diverse customer base, including water testing companies and pharmaceutical production. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development, offering training opportunities and career advancement paths. Located in a vibrant area, our facility provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making it an excellent place for meaningful and fulfilling employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sample Dispatch Service Lead in Thetford
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Sample Dispatch Service Lead in Thetford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Sample Dispatch Service Lead in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at Avantor. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at Avantor and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.
