At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead local IT operations and support lab systems in a dynamic life sciences environment.
- Company: Established organisation in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in life sciences while leading a passionate IT team.
- Qualifications: Experience in GxP-regulated environments and strong IT systems knowledge required.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are 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 will 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 will provide day-to-day leadership for a small IT team while maintaining and enhancing business-critical systems, including laboratory informatics platforms. You will 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 Will 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.
Salary, Benefits & Location
Salary: £Competitive (depending on experience)
Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave and bank holidays
- Company pension contributions
- Private medical insurance or health cash plan
Site IT Lead in Guildford employer: Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site IT Lead in Guildford
✨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 brushing up on your knowledge of GxP regulations and lab systems. We recommend practising common interview questions related to IT leadership and compliance. Show them you’re not just a tech whiz, but also a strategic thinker who can lead a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your hands-on problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in IT operations or lab systems. We want to see how you can bring that experience to the table and make an impact right away.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to take on the role of IT Site Lead and drive improvements in our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Site IT Lead in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Site Lead role. Highlight your experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector, especially any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When writing your application, focus on your experience with lab systems like Empower and your knowledge of GxP regulations. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of compliance and system validation, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important bits without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GxP regulations and the specific lab systems mentioned in the job description, like Empower and LAC/E. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to manage both people and systems effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their current IT challenges or team dynamics, showing that you're engaged and interested in collaboration.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to IT systems support and administration. Brush up on your knowledge of server management, backups, and vendor relationships. Being able to discuss your experience with tools like Hyper-V and Veeam will set you apart from other candidates.