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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive continuous improvement at our Hillcrest site.
- Company: Inotiv is a global CRO focused on drug discovery and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, flexible benefits, and employee wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact in health and science.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership; life sciences background is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Must not own pet rodents or rabbits; full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
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
Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There’s an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual’s unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people’s lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.
Salary Will Be Commensurate With Experience And Responsibilities.
Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
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Operations Manager employer: Inotiv
Contact Detail:
Inotiv Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Understanding these regulations will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and ethical standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Inotiv's current projects and initiatives within the life sciences sector. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the life sciences and research sectors, especially those who have experience in regulated environments. This can provide you with insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've empowered teams in previous roles. Highlighting specific examples of how you've driven operational efficiency and fostered a culture of continuous improvement will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operations Manager position at Inotiv. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in operations management, particularly in regulated environments. If you have worked with multidisciplinary teams or have knowledge of compliance frameworks, make sure to showcase this.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Since the role requires strong leadership, provide examples of how you have successfully led teams in the past. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact on operational efficiency and team performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the ethical standards and compliance required in the life sciences sector, as well as your commitment to quality and performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inotiv
✨Understand the Regulatory Environment
Familiarise yourself with the UK regulatory frameworks relevant to the role, such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Showing that you have taken the time to understand these regulations will demonstrate your commitment to compliance and ethical standards.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your past leadership roles, especially in regulated or quality-focused environments. Discuss how you've empowered teams and driven operational efficiency, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Operations Manager position.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning. Understanding the financial drivers of operational performance is crucial for this role, so highlight any relevant achievements in managing site-level financials.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. Strong problem-solving skills are essential for an Operations Manager, especially in a complex and fast-paced environment like Inotiv.
