At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead local IT operations and support lab systems in a dynamic life sciences environment.
- Company: Established organisation in the life sciences sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry while developing your IT leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in GxP-regulated environments and strong IT systems knowledge required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to mentor junior team members.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're working with a well-established organisation in the life sciences sector to recruit an experienced IT Site Lead for their Guildford location. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll oversee local IT operations, support lab-specific systems, and collaborate closely with global colleagues. The successful candidate will bring industry-specific experience from a GxP-regulated environment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage both people and systems with confidence.
About the Role
As IT Site Lead, you’ll provide day-to-day leadership for a small IT team while maintaining and enhancing business-critical systems, including laboratory informatics platforms. You’ll play a key part in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, Part 11, Annex 11), supporting internal audits, and driving IT infrastructure improvements on-site. This role requires close collaboration with technical and scientific teams and will suit someone who enjoys both hands-on problem-solving and strategic oversight. Experience with Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) like Empower and platforms such as Hyper-V, Veeam, and Active Directory will be essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer and support lab systems including Empower and LAC / E.
- Lead validation efforts for computerized systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with QA and lab teams on data integrity and audit readiness.
- Oversee backups, system configurations, and server management (Hyper-V, Veeam).
- Manage vendor relationships for IT and lab systems, including upgrades and SLAs.
- Provide hardware/software support (desktops, laptops, enterprise applications).
- Maintain Active Directory and Citrix environments.
- Deliver mentoring and leadership to junior IT team members.
What You’ll Need
- Prior experience in a similar industry (pharmaceutical, life sciences, or GxP-regulated environment) is essential.
- Proven background in IT systems support and administration.
- Knowledge of laboratory systems and regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11).
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- A relevant degree or diploma is preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with global teams.
Site IT Lead in Surrey employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site IT Lead in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in the lab systems area. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you, focusing on common questions for IT Site Lead roles. This will help you articulate your experience with GxP regulations and lab systems confidently. We believe in you!
✨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 take the initiative. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Site IT Lead in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Site Lead role. Highlight your experience in GxP-regulated environments and any specific systems you've worked with, like Empower or Hyper-V. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share examples of how you've successfully managed IT operations and collaborated with teams in the past. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to showcase your communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, let us know how you effectively convey information and lead teams.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your GxP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GxP regulations and how they apply to IT systems in the life sciences sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the industry's standards.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is all about hands-on leadership, prepare to share detailed stories about your experience with lab systems like Empower and server management tools such as Hyper-V and Veeam. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice explaining complex IT concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to collaborate with both technical and scientific teams. Think of examples where your communication made a difference in a project or team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
As you'll be leading a small IT team, expect questions about your leadership style and mentoring approach. Reflect on your past experiences managing teams, and be ready to discuss how you motivate and support junior members to grow their skills.