At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily lab operations and support scientific teams in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading scientific services provider in the pharmaceutical R&D sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, bonus, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and safety in scientific research.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills, project management experience, and familiarity with lab standards required.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for continuous improvement and leadership development.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Lab Manager – Scientific Support Services
Location: London, UK
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Industry: Pharmaceutical R&D Support
Salary & Benefits: £40,000 + Pension + Bonus + Private Healthcare
Scope
A leading scientific services provider is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee the on-site delivery of scientific and laboratory support services at a major pharmaceutical R&D facility.
This is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary role responsible for the day-to-day management of scientific operations , including logistics, procurement, sample dispatch, health & safety compliance, and direct support for research scientists. The successful candidate will lead a small team, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and stakeholder collaboration across a defined set of laboratories.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate daily workloads, priorities, and delivery of support across scientific services
- Oversee sample dispatch, procurement logistics, and internal/external shipment coordination
- Maintain accurate and compliant documentation (SOPs, WIs, risk assessments, COSHH)
- Provide first-line support to lab teams and ensure smooth operational coverage
- Lead and support change controls, service escalations, and troubleshooting activities
- Collaborate with internal departments and vendors to ensure effective service and innovation
- Drive health & safety adherence, conduct inspections, and lead monthly Gemba walks
- Create and manage weekly/monthly reports and dashboards (KPI tracking, service metrics)
- Provide data insights for governance reviews and service evaluations
- Conduct root cause analyses (RCA) and lead innovation or lean process projects
- Promote a safety-first culture by logging near misses and unsafe conditions via reporting systems
About You:
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong problem-solving capability
- Outstanding communication skills and a proven customer-focused mindset
- Ability to manage multiple internal and external stakeholders and priorities
- Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and IT systems (e.g., Excel, dashboards)
- Strong project management and leadership experience
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Standards and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, ABS tools)
- Extensive experience in laboratory or scientific operations within a regulated or research environment
- Prior experience managing lab-based teams or scientific support staff
- Strong familiarity with SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) policies and compliance
- Hands-on experience leading audits, RCA investigations, and service optimisation
If you\’re interested in the above role then please click apply or get in touch to discuss further.
Consult will endeavour to contact candidates within 14 days of application. However, if you do not hear back after 2 weeks then please assume on this occasion, unfortunately, you have not been successful.
Laboratory Operations Manager employer: Consult
Contact Detail:
Consult Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in laboratory operations. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to discuss relevant innovations during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical R&D sector. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be ready to discuss how you drove operational excellence in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of Good Laboratory Standards and health & safety compliance. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you're well-prepared for the responsibilities of the Lab Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in laboratory operations and management. Emphasise your leadership skills, project management experience, and familiarity with Good Laboratory Standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities and requirements listed in the job description. Showcase your problem-solving capabilities and your commitment to health and safety compliance.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in data analysis and reporting, as well as your experience with IT systems like Excel. Mention any continuous improvement methodologies you are familiar with, such as Lean or ABS tools.
Showcase Team Leadership: Provide examples of your experience managing lab-based teams or scientific support staff. Discuss how you've driven operational excellence and collaborated with stakeholders to achieve results.
How to prepare for a job interview at Consult
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lab Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to drive operational excellence and foster collaboration.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires strong problem-solving skills, especially in troubleshooting and conducting root cause analyses. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them, showcasing your analytical thinking.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety compliance in this position, make sure to highlight your familiarity with Good Laboratory Standards and SHE policies. Discuss any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and improved safety protocols.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves data analysis and reporting, brush up on your proficiency with tools like Excel and dashboards. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data insights to drive improvements or inform decision-making in your previous roles.