Manager R&D Labs (CNAP) in Oxford

This pivotal role provides management for the Convatec Oxford laboratory and team, which are the centre of excellence for Convatec's Next Generation Adaptive Platform technologies that leverage nitric oxide for therapeutic applications. Overseeing the implementation, optimisation, and ongoing governance of technical processes, systems and equipment to ensure operational excellence and full regulatory compliance to enable effective completion of R&D projects at the site. The position leads a multidisciplinary team-including a technician, junior scientists, senior scientists, and a principal scientist-setting clear prioritisation, building capability, and fostering a positive team and high performance culture. A key requirement of the role is developing effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Success in this role requires strong leadership presence, deep technical expertise, and exceptional communication and influencing skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the CTEC Oxford laboratory and administrative team, building capability, driving high performance, and ensuring alignment with Convatec's scientific and operational priorities.
• Deliver CNAP R&D programmes, overseeing method development, validation, indication expansion studies, and next generation platform initiatives.
• Strengthen laboratory compliance and governance, owning CSV and QMS integration to ensure full alignment with GMP, GDC QMS, CSV, and regulatory expectations.
• Drive laboratory transformation and expansion, including facility transition to CTEC standards, lab fit out, equipment acquisition, and readiness for GMP and Research Only operations.
• Manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets, ensuring efficient, compliant, and strategically aligned investment in laboratory capability and infrastructure.

Skills & Experience

• Applies strong scientific and technical judgement to guide complex programmes and shape the lab capability strategy.
• Translates strategic goals into clear plans with measurable outcomes.
• Drives high quality execution, ensuring timelines, compliance, and performance standards are consistently met.
• Holds self and team accountable for delivering impactful results.
• Champions new ideas and technologies that enhance laboratory capability and efficiency.
• Uses structured problem solving to optimise processes and elevate scientific output.
• Demonstrates strong learning agility and curiosity.
• Builds and leads a high performing, multidisciplinary team and drives high-performing team principles.
• Fosters collaboration and promotes a culture of growth, authenticity and inclusion.
• Coaches, recruits and develops people to meet both their career goals and the organisation's goal.
• Works effectively across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, ITQA, and external partners.
• Communicates with clarity and influence to ensure alignment and informed decision making.
• Demonstrates deep listening skills.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of GMP, QMS, CSV, and regulatory expectations.
• Leads quality driven behaviours and ensures robust documentation and audit readiness.
• Acts with transparency, integrity, accountability, and sound judgement.
• Conveys an appropriate sense of urgency in delivering on the priorities for the CNAP programme and gets things done.
• Role models Convatec's values, leadership behaviours and commitment to doing what's right.

Qualifications / Education

• Doctorate (or advanced degree) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with deep expertise in complex laboratory systems and scientific operations.
• Extensive technical proficiency in managing, optimizing, and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, analytical platforms, and high throughput systems.
• Robust regulatory knowledge within MedTech and/or Pharma, with proven ability to navigate global regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA, ISO, GMP) and maintain compliance.
• Demonstrated team leadership, including managing, and developing high performing scientific or technical teams in fast paced, innovation driven environments.
• Exceptional problem solving capabilities, with a track record of implementing innovative, data driven solutions that improve system performance and operational efficiency.

Team 8 direct reports.

Working Conditions Full time on site role (office plus laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals, reagents and solvents, electronic equipment, some manual handling).

Equal Opportunities Convatec provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affiliation or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.