At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational excellence across product lifecycle and ensure timely, quality product delivery.
- Company: Join Azenta, a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on teamwork and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the life sciences industry with your analytical and leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and 3-5 years in product operations or supply chain.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships. All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity.
The Product Operations Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across the product lifecycle for the Consumables & Instruments portfolio. This role sits at the intersection of Product Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams, ensuring that products are delivered on time, and with the required quality and compliance.
The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with cross-functional leadership, enabling scalable processes, reliable product availability, and data-driven decision making. Experience with ERP systems (preferably Oracle) is essential.
Key Responsibilities- Product Lifecycle Operations
- Own operational execution across the full product lifecycle (launch → growth → phase-out)
- Ensure readiness for product launches (SKU setup, supply planning, regulatory alignment)
- Support product changes (ECOs), obsolescence, and lifecycle transitions
- Coordinate with Quality, and Regulatory to ensure compliant product releases
- Supply Chain & Demand Alignment
- Act as the key interface between Product Management and Operations (planning, manufacturing, procurement)
- Drive demand planning alignment (forecast vs. actuals, backlog, safety stock policies)
- Identify supply risks and drive mitigation plans
- ERP & Data Management (Oracle-focused)
- Own product master data integrity (BOMs, routings, costing, SKU setup) in ERP systems
- Lead process improvements in Oracle ERP (or similar) to enhance data accuracy and workflow
- Ensure clean and consistent data for reporting and analytics
- Cross-Functional Program Management
- Lead cross-functional initiatives (e.g., cost reduction, supplier transfers, dual sourcing, polymer changes)
- Act as central coordinator across: Product Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality & Regulatory
- Ensure clear communication and structured execution
- Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field
- 3-5 years experience in:
- Product Operations / Product Management support
- Supply Chain / Operations in life sciences, medtech, or similar industries
- Strong ERP experience (Oracle preferred)
- Proven experience managing cross-functional projects
- Strong analytical skills (Excel, Power BI, Tableau or similar)
- Preferred: Experience in life sciences consumables or laboratory instruments
- Knowledge of regulated environments (ISO 13485, 9001)
- Experience with automation-driven workflows or high-throughput lab environments
- Execution excellence – ability to translate strategy into operational results
- Data-driven decision making – strong analytical mindset
- Cross-functional leadership – influence without authority
- Attention to detail – especially in ERP and product data
- Problem-solving – proactive identification and resolution of issues
- Communication – clear, structured, executive-ready
Product Operations Manager in Guildford employer: Azenta Life Sciences
At Azenta, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo and contribute to meaningful projects. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, which values teamwork and integrity, while offering opportunities for professional development in the thriving life sciences sector. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive atmosphere that not only prioritises operational excellence but also champions diversity and inclusion, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Operations Manager in Guildford
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Azenta Life Sciences!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Azenta Life Sciences would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Azenta Life Sciences through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Operations Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Operations Manager, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Operations Manager position at Azenta Life Sciences. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Azenta Life Sciences
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
