At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team in a regulated production environment while ensuring high standards.
- Company: Join a people-first organisation dedicated to scientific research and animal welfare.
- Benefits: Receive full training, stable hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Develop your leadership skills and contribute to world-class scientific advancements.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams; passion for developing others is key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This is a people‑first leadership role. You don’t need to join us as a technical expert — we’ll train you. What matters most is your ability to lead, motivate, coach and develop others in a regulated production environment. We are seeking a confident, resilient Team Leader to guide a team working in a high‑standard barrier rodent production facility. This is a hands‑on, visible leadership role, working alongside your team on a daily basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead & Develop People
- Inspire, support and develop a team of animal technicians working with rodents
- Set clear expectations around behaviour, performance and accountability
- Foster a positive, inclusive and psychologically safe team culture
- Address people and performance issues early, fairly and constructively
- Actively coach team members and support their training and development
- Drive Operational Excellence
- Coordinate daily and weekly workloads to meet production and animal welfare standards
- Monitor staffing, training needs and workload distribution, adapting plans as needed
- Maintain exceptional barrier practice, routines and cleanliness
- Ensure compliance with SOPs, training records, regulatory standards and internal quality systems
- Be a Visible, Hands‑On Leader
- Spend the majority of your time in the barrier facility, working alongside the team
- Act as the first point of escalation for operational, welfare or people‑related issues
- Lead by example in professionalism, safety and attention to detail
- Collaborate & Improve
- Work closely with peer Team Leaders and managers to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations
- Support audits, inspections and continuous improvement initiatives
- Contribute ideas to improve efficiency, quality and team engagement
What We’re Looking For
- Experience leading, supervising or influencing people in an operational, production or regulated environment
- Confidence to have honest conversations and make fair, balanced decisions
- Calm, consistent and resilient leadership, especially under pressure
- A genuine passion for developing people — not just managing tasks
- Strong communication skills, integrity and self‑awareness
Desirable but not essential:
- Experience in laboratory animal care, technical production or regulated environments (Full training will be provided.)
Why Join Us?
- People‑focused leadership role with real impact
- Full technical training and ongoing support
- Stable, weekday‑focused working hours
- Opportunity to contribute to world‑class scientific research
Locations
Team Leader - Barrier Production in Kent, Manston employer: Charles River Laboratories
Join us as a Team Leader in our barrier rodent production facility, where you will thrive in a people-first culture that prioritises leadership and development. With full technical training provided, you will have the opportunity to inspire and support a dedicated team while contributing to world-class scientific research. Enjoy stable weekday hours and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Barrier Production in Kent, Manston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see how they engage with their team and community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their people-first approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've inspired or developed a team. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate others in a hands-on way.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare questions that show your interest in team dynamics and operational excellence. Ask about their training processes or how they handle performance issues. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if their values align with yours.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your passion for developing people and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Barrier Production in Kent, Manston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style:When writing your application, let us see your unique approach to leadership. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past, even if it wasn't in a technical role. We want to know how you motivate others!
Be Authentic:We value genuine passion over technical expertise. Don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm for developing people and fostering a positive team culture. Let your personality shine through your words!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a regulated environment before, share any experience leading or supervising teams. Focus on your ability to handle performance issues and support team members, as these are key to our role.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Show Your People Skills
This role is all about leading and developing a team, so be ready to showcase your people skills. Think of examples where you've motivated or coached others, and be prepared to discuss how you foster a positive team culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
Since this is a visible leadership role, highlight your willingness to get stuck in alongside your team. Share experiences where you've led by example, especially in challenging situations, to show that you're not just a manager but a true team player.
✨Prepare for Situational Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific scenarios related to performance issues or team dynamics. Prepare some thoughtful responses that reflect your calm and resilient leadership style, focusing on fairness and constructive feedback.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company values collaboration and improvement, so come armed with ideas on how to enhance efficiency and team engagement. Discuss any past initiatives you've led or contributed to that improved processes or team morale.
