At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team in a high-standard barrier rodent production facility.
- Company: Join a people-first organisation focused on scientific research.
- Benefits: Full training, stable hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Enjoy a hands-on role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Inspire and support others while contributing to world-class research.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership or team supervision is preferred but not essential.
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
Team Leader – Barrier Production employer: Charles River Laboratories
Join a dynamic team where your leadership skills can truly shine in a people-first environment. We prioritise employee development and offer comprehensive training, ensuring you have the tools to inspire and motivate your team effectively. With a focus on operational excellence and a commitment to maintaining high standards, this role not only allows for personal growth but also contributes significantly to groundbreaking scientific research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader – Barrier Production
✨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 approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their people-first environment.
✨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, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during your interview. Inquire about their training processes and how they support team leaders. This shows your commitment to developing yourself and your team, aligning perfectly with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the company while you’re at it. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader – Barrier Production
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’s not in a technical setting. We want to know how you motivate others!
Be Authentic:We value honesty and integrity, so don’t be afraid to show your true self in your application. Talk about your experiences and how they shaped your leadership style. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection with us.
Highlight Your People Skills:Since this role is all about leading and developing people, make sure to emphasise your communication skills and ability to handle tough conversations. Share specific instances where you’ve addressed performance issues or coached someone to success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role is all about leading and developing a team, make sure to highlight your experience in motivating and coaching others. Share specific examples of how you've inspired your team in the past, even if it wasn't in a regulated environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Think about how you can foster a positive and inclusive culture. Prepare to talk about how you handle performance issues constructively and how you lead by example in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to team dynamics or operational challenges. Practice responding to these scenarios, focusing on your calmness and resilience under pressure, as well as your decision-making process.
✨Research the Company Culture
Get to know the company’s values and mission. Understanding their focus on people-first leadership will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Show enthusiasm for contributing to their world-class scientific research and how you can be a part of that journey.
