At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic laboratory team, overseeing operations, quality, and client relationships.
- Company: Respected laboratory with nearly 30 years of heritage in medical device testing.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of a successful site with growth potential.
- Other info: Join a wider specialist laboratory group focused on investment and shared expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while driving innovation in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in regulated scientific laboratories and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Reporting directly to the COO, you will hold full site leadership responsibility for this Dover‑based laboratory, overseeing all operations, people management, quality, safety, and commercial performance. This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected laboratory team with a heritage spanning nearly 30 years. The site has built an outstanding reputation supporting global clients in medical device and combination product testing, helping bring innovative medical products to market safely and compliantly. More recently, the laboratory became one of the founding businesses within a wider specialist laboratory group, creating an exciting new chapter of investment, collaboration and shared expertise. For the right leader, this role offers the chance to shape the future of an already successful site while helping unlock the opportunities that come from being part of something bigger.
The Role
- You’ll lead a knowledgeable, welcoming and highly committed team, driving day to day lab operations.
- You will work collaboratively with senior leaders and peer sites across the group to shape long‑term strategy, growth, and capability.
- This is a senior leadership role with accountability for site operations, P&L, team performance, safety, quality, client relationships, and continuous improvement.
- You will ensure the site delivers excellent scientific and operational outcomes, meets regulatory and client expectations, and remains positioned for future growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading site operations to deliver exceptional quality and client service
- Driving KPI performance, capacity, utilisation and on‑time delivery
- Owning budgets, P&L, forecasting and cost control
- Lead, coach, and develop high‑performing teams and managers
- Partnering with commercial teams on growth opportunities and new services
- Strengthening collaboration across the wider laboratory group
- Ensure a continued focus on quality, compliance, data integrity and safety
- Lead audit readiness, inspections, deviation management, and continuous improvement actions
- Identifying strategic investments, innovation and process improvements
- Provide clear reporting and strategic updates to the Senior Leadership Team
About You
You will bring significant leadership experience from a regulated scientific laboratory (CRO, pharmaceutical, medical device etc), with proven success leading multi‑disciplinary teams. Key requirements include:
- Strong operational and strategic leadership capability
- Strong commercial and financial ownership, including P&L responsibility
- Deep understanding of laboratory quality and compliance frameworks
- Excellent stakeholder, client, and communication skills
- A track record of driving performance, growth, and continuous improvement
- Scientific or technical credibility with degree‑level qualifications (or equivalent experience)
- A collaborative leadership style that ‘brings people with you’
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys balancing people, science, operations and strategy. Apply now to learn more about this unique opportunity.
Laboratory Site Lead in Dover, Kent employer: Energy Jobline CVL
As a Laboratory Site Lead in Dover, Kent, you will join a highly respected team with nearly 30 years of heritage in medical device testing, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of a successful laboratory. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, providing access to strategic investments and innovative practices within a supportive environment. With a commitment to quality and compliance, this role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also positions you at the forefront of exciting advancements in the medical field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Site Lead in Dover, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Laboratory Site Lead role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your experience. We believe that the more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you’re in front of the real interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation to show you were engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Site Lead in Dover, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Laboratory Site Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in regulated environments and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for leading teams and improving laboratory operations, and don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our exciting new chapter.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your collaborative leadership style. We want to know how you bring people together and drive high performance. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed stakeholder relationships in the past.
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 this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laboratory operations, quality compliance, and P&L management. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in the medical device testing sector, as this will show your potential employer that you're not just a leader, but a knowledgeable one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Think of examples where you've driven performance and fostered collaboration, as this role is all about bringing people together to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing audits or driving continuous improvement. Have a few scenarios in mind where you’ve made a significant impact, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Research the company’s recent developments and their vision for the future. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and innovation strategies, especially in the context of being part of a wider specialist laboratory group. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but in the company’s journey as well.
