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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a bioanalytical scale-up, focusing on supply chain and quality control.
- Company: Join a successful Oxford-based company in the life sciences sector, driving innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of bioanalytical instrumentation with impactful work.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management, preferably in manufacturing or life sciences.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a high-performing team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Operations Director to join a highly successful Oxford-based Bioanalytical Instrumentation Scale-up in their consumables department. This role is leading the scale up of the consumables operations (optical slides, calibrants / reagents) side of the business with a focus on Supply Chain (including CMO’s), Production and Quality Control.
The Operations Director will lead the end-to-end operational strategy and execution for the consumables business line, covering supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and continuous improvement. This strategic leadership role is critical to ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products at optimal cost while building scalable and resilient operations to support business growth.
Key Objectives
- Partner with senior leadership to define performance goals and long-term operational plans
- Optimize operational efficiency and productivity through data-driven process improvements
- Set and implement strategic goals that enhance scalability, quality, and cost-effectiveness
- Contribute to financial and budgetary planning and management
- Evaluate and improve existing operational processes to support continuous improvement
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the operational strategy for the consumables business in alignment with broader company objectives
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to scale operations and support new product introductions
- Represent operations at senior leadership level, contributing to strategic planning and business forecasting
Operational Excellence
- Oversee performance across consumables manufacturing and supply chain (internal and/or external), meeting KPIs including OTIF, yield, scrap rate, and COGS
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Optimize planning and scheduling to effectively match supply with demand
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and quality standards, including ISO and GMP
- Work closely with QA/RA to maintain robust quality systems and support audits, CAPAs, and ongoing compliance
Team & Supplier Management
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team across production, supply chain, and operations support functions
- Manage relationships with key consumables suppliers and contract manufacturing partners, ensuring performance, quality, and scalability
Financial Ownership
- Own and manage the consumables COGS budget
- Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality or service
- Contribute to capital investment planning and capacity expansion business cases
Please apply with an up to date CV.
Operations Director - Life Science Scale Up employer: CT19
Contact Detail:
CT19 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Life Science Scale Up
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in bioanalytical instrumentation. Understanding the current landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the life sciences sector, especially those involved in operations and supply chain management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented process improvements in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies can set you apart as a candidate who can drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and achievements in the consumables space. Being able to reference these during your discussions will show that you are proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Life Science Scale Up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in the life sciences or bioanalytical fields. Emphasise your achievements in supply chain optimisation, quality control, and team leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the company's objectives. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led operational strategies and improved processes in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as strategic planning, continuous improvement methodologies (like Lean or Six Sigma), and financial management. These are crucial for the Operations Director position.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Demonstrate your leadership capabilities by providing examples of how you've mentored teams, managed cross-functional initiatives, and contributed to senior-level strategic planning in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at CT19
✨Understand the Company and Its Products
Before the interview, make sure to research the company thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their bioanalytical instrumentation and consumables, especially optical slides and reagents. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Operations Director, you'll need to lead cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, focusing on how you've successfully managed teams, driven performance improvements, and implemented strategic initiatives. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
✨Highlight Your Process Improvement Skills
The role requires a strong focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement. Be ready to talk about your experience with methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Share examples of how you've optimised processes, reduced costs, or improved quality in past positions.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since financial ownership is a key responsibility, brush up on your budgeting and cost management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to financial planning and identified cost reduction opportunities in previous roles without compromising quality.
