At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the setup and delivery of innovative R&D and operational technology solutions.
- Company: Major UK operation in pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
- Benefits: £750 per day, senior leadership exposure, and opportunity to shape a new business unit.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced manufacturing and development environments.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in relevant sectors with strong project delivery and leadership skills.
Are you an experienced Development Lead with a strong background in pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical or manufacturing environments? We are supporting a major UK operation in the appointment of a senior contractor to lead the setup, development and delivery of a new R&D and operational technology function.
This is a high-impact role operating across technical development, engineering, process validation, IT logistics and project delivery, supporting the establishment and growth of an advanced manufacturing and development environment.
You will work closely with senior leadership, vendors, operational teams and external partners to drive technology integration, process optimisation and successful project execution across the UK and Europe.
The Opportunity
- 11-month contract
- £750 per day
- Liverpool based
- Senior leadership exposure
- Opportunity to shape and influence a developing business unit
- Cross-functional project ownership within highly regulated environments
Key Responsibilities
- Technology & Project Delivery
- Lead the development and implementation of business and operational technology solutions
- Analyse and improve existing business processes and operational workflows
- Develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets and stakeholder communications
- Act as the key point of contact for project delivery across multiple workstreams
- Coordinate vendors, contractors and cross-functional teams
- Support system validation, change control and governance activities
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget
- Drive stakeholder engagement and alignment throughout the project lifecycle
- Engineering & R&D Operations
- Support the setup and operational delivery of pilot plant and R&D activities
- Provide technical leadership across process development, validation and equipment qualification
- Lead technology transfer and scale-up activities for new products
- Develop tracking systems for critical process parameters and operational metrics
- Oversee equipment installation, operational and performance qualification activities
- Support regulatory and technical documentation including SOPs, validation protocols and technical reports
- Influence process and formulation improvements to maximise operational efficiency
- Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and quality initiatives
What We Are Looking For
- MA, MSc or PhD in Life Sciences, Engineering, IT or related discipline
- 10+ years' experience within Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Chemical or Advanced Manufacturing sectors
- Strong background in Technical Development, Engineering Projects or R&D Operations
- Experience leading complex cross-functional projects within regulated environments
- Knowledge of validation, change control and quality systems
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience working within matrix organisations
- Proven leadership capability across technical and operational teams
- PMP certification advantageous
Technical Experience In One Or More Of The Following:
- Solid dose manufacturing/development
- Parenteral manufacturing/development
- Biotechnology production/development
- Chemical manufacturing/development
- Analytical development
- Quality control environments
Ideal Candidate
You will be a highly organised and commercially aware technical leader who thrives in fast-paced environments. The successful candidate will combine strong project delivery capability with engineering and operational expertise, while being comfortable influencing stakeholders across technical, operational and leadership teams.
To apply or discuss the opportunity in more detail, please contact:
Development / Project Lead in Liverpool employer: KPI Recruiting Ltd
As a leading player in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, our company offers an exceptional work environment in Liverpool, where innovation meets operational excellence. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and cross-functional project ownership, providing you with the opportunity to shape a new R&D and operational technology function. With competitive compensation and exposure to senior leadership, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in a highly regulated industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development / Project Lead in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in R&D and operational technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Use examples from your past roles where you successfully led cross-functional teams or managed complex projects. This will highlight your fit for the Development Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Development / Project Lead in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or manufacturing environments. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Development Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the responsibilities, so make sure to connect your skills with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading cross-functional teams, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and influenced stakeholders in regulated environments – we want to see your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KPI Recruiting Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to pharmaceutical, biotech, and manufacturing environments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and the technologies you've worked with, as this role demands a strong background in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in cross-functional teams. Think about times when you successfully managed stakeholders or drove project delivery, as this will be crucial for the Development Lead position.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company’s goals and how the new R&D and operational technology function fits into their strategy. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their success and influence the developing business unit.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current challenges in project delivery or technology integration, which shows you're already thinking about how to add value.
