At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in producing top-quality biological products.
- Company: Join a specialist biotechnology facility making a real impact in life sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: On-site role in Huntingdon with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Drive innovation and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline and strong leadership experience in life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 € per year.
Are you an experienced leader ready to take the helm of a high-impact life sciences manufacturing site? We’re looking for a strategic and hands-on Chief Scientist to lead operations at a specialist biotechnology facility. In this key leadership role, you’ll oversee production, drive performance, and champion continuous improvement, ensuring products are delivered on time and to the highest standards of quality. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for developing teams and operational excellence, this could be your next move.
About the Role
As Chief Scientist, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership across the site, ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency in all areas. You’ll work closely with manufacturing, R&D, and senior stakeholders to deliver high-quality biological products, meet KPIs, and foster a positive, high-performing team culture. This is a role for someone who’s comfortable balancing big-picture planning with day-to-day execution.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading, developing and motivating a high-performing manufacturing team
- Ensuring timely, high-quality production and delivery of biological products
- Driving site performance in line with budget and operational targets
- Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Managing site health and safety and regulatory compliance (e.g. COSHH, SAPO)
- Reporting on KPIs and performance metrics
- Maintaining and enhancing site facilities and infrastructure
- Supporting change management and business transformation initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in a scientific discipline
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role in a life sciences or biotechnology environment
- Strong Virology background and understanding
- Strong understanding of antigen production, downstream processing, and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated experience managing operational functions and cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with site health and safety standards (IOSH or similar desirable)
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
- Proven leadership in delivering results through people, process, and performance improvement
Salary: £70,000 – £85,000 (depending on experience)
Location: On-site, Huntingdon
Regrettably, this company is unable to offer (or extend) sponsorship and only those with existing Right to Work in the UK will be considered.
Virology Operations Manager in Huntingdon employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Join a leading biotechnology facility in Huntingdon, where your expertise as a Chief Scientist will be valued and nurtured. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and operational excellence, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for continuous improvement. Here, you will not only lead a high-performing team but also contribute to groundbreaking advancements in life sciences, making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Virology Operations Manager in Huntingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience in virology and operational leadership can drive their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you’ve developed teams and driven performance improvements. We’re all about operational excellence, so let them see how you can bring that to the table!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you that Chief Scientist role!
We think you need these skills to ace Virology Operations Manager in Huntingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Scientist role. Highlight your experience in virology and operational leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and foster a high-performing team culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the job description. Be sure to mention your strategic mindset and hands-on approach to operations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience. We want to see examples of how you've developed teams and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. This will help us understand your fit for leading our manufacturing site.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your Virology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your virology knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent advancements in the field, as well as your own experiences with antigen production and downstream processing. This will show that you're not just a leader, but also a subject matter expert.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about how you’ve developed and motivated teams in the past. Prepare specific examples of how you've fostered a high-performing culture and driven continuous improvement. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the company's goals.
✨Be Ready for Operational Challenges
Expect questions about how you would handle operational challenges, such as meeting KPIs or ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Have a few strategies in mind that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to discuss how you influence stakeholders at all levels. Remember, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that can make a lasting impression.
