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- Tasks: Lead operations and drive continuous improvement at our Hillcrest site.
- Company: Join Inotiv, a growing global contract research organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that contributes to life-changing therapies worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership; life sciences background is a plus.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a proactive and forward-thinking Operations Manager, you'll lead the end-to-end operational performance and continuous improvement of our Hillcrest site in Belton, Leicestershire. Reporting directly to the Operations Director – EMEA, you will play a critical role in aligning local site operations with regional and global business objectives. You'll ensure the safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective delivery while upholding ethical standards and supporting a culture of scientific integrity.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly specialised and regulated site operating under UK frameworks such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). You'll manage a multidisciplinary team and oversee core operational functions—including production, maintenance & security—while driving innovation, performance, and continuous improvement. While prior experience in life sciences or research models and services (RMS) is an advantage, it is not essential. What matters most is that you've taken the time to understand the nature of the environment and bring strong leadership, operational know-how, and a commitment to quality, compliance, and performance in a highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own day-to-day operational leadership of the Hillcrest site.
- Align site objectives with global business goals, ensuring consistency in delivery, performance, and standards.
- Drive operational efficiency, output, safety, and cost-effectiveness through KPIs and performance frameworks.
- Develop and empower cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), Ethical review and licensing processes via the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB).
- Partner with quality, veterinary, and compliance colleagues to uphold operational and scientific excellence.
- Manage site-level financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
About You
You are an experienced and hands-on operations leader who thrives in regulated or quality-focused environments. You bring a balance of strategic thinking and practical execution, with a strong track record of delivering results through empowered teams and well-run processes.
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, complex, or regulated operational settings.
- Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of operational processes and how to translate strategic direction into day-to-day execution.
- Experienced in managing budgets, driving cost efficiency, and understanding the financial drivers of operational performance.
- Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build alignment across diverse teams.
- Previous experience in life sciences or animal research is an advantage, but not essential—you should be comfortable with, and have taken time to understand, the nature of the environment and the standards it requires.
- Familiarity with UK regulatory or compliance frameworks (e.g. Health & Safety, or biosecurity protocols) is beneficial; full training will be provided where needed.
Location/Benefits:
This is a full-time role, based at our Hillcrest site in Belton, just outside of Loughborough.
- Competitive salary
- 33 days holiday (including public holidays)
- Pension, life assurance, and income protection (after qualifying period)
- Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, tech discounts, and retail savings
- Employee wellbeing support via EAP, fitness and wellness platform, and mental health resources
- Opportunities for progression and development within a growing international business
This role operates in a biosecurity environment, so candidates must not own pet rodents or rabbits, and must disclose if they own animals that feed on rodents (e.g. snakes, birds of prey).
A full UK driving licence is required due to limited public transport access.
About Inotiv:
Inotiv is a growing global contract research organisation (CRO) supporting drug discovery and development. Our work contributes to scientific and medical advances that improve health and wellbeing worldwide. At every stage of the journey, our teams play a key role in delivering quality science and operational excellence.
Apply now to join us.
Operations Manager in Belton employer: Inotiv, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Inotiv, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Belton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Belton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational achievements that align with our goals at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational efficiency and led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Understanding of Compliance: Since this role involves working in a regulated environment, demonstrate your knowledge of compliance frameworks. Mention any relevant experience you have with UK regulations or similar standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track its progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inotiv, Inc.
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operational processes relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around compliance and performance metrics. This will help you speak confidently about how you can align local operations with global objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've empowered teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've driven innovation or improved efficiency. This is crucial for demonstrating that you can manage a multidisciplinary team effectively.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Brush up on UK regulatory frameworks, particularly those related to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Even if you don't have direct experience, showing that you've taken the time to understand these regulations will impress your interviewers and show your commitment to compliance.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the company's approach to continuous improvement or how they measure operational success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
