At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytical operations, ensuring quality and compliance across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Almac Group, a global leader in advancing human health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on drug development and patient care.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and analytical experience in a regulated environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Almac Group is a global leader in advancing human health. We provide a range of expert services across the drug development lifecycle to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, supporting them in finding treatments for patients.
Skills and attributes:
- Analytical Chemistry
- cGMP manufacturing
- Operational Excellence
- Pharmaceutical Drug Products
- Senior Management
- Analytical Operations
- CDMO
Description:
Location: Craigavon, Northern Ireland & Dundalk, Republic of Ireland
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
Business Unit: Almac Pharma Services
Open To: Internal and external applicants welcome to apply.
Ref No.: HRJOB11637
The Opportunity:
Analytical Operations at Almac Pharma Services plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of medicines for patients worldwide. Across our laboratories in Craigavon and Dundalk, our teams provide high‑quality analytical testing and services that support drug product development, manufacturing, packaging and product release. Due to continued growth, we are now seeking a Director of Analytical Operations to provide strategic leadership across both sites, ensuring that our analytical capabilities, infrastructure and teams are fully aligned to the evolving needs of the business and our clients.
This is a senior leadership role where you will be responsible for the performance, compliance and continuous development of analytical operations (Quality Control and Analytical Services). You will ensure that laboratories operate efficiently, safely and in full compliance with regulatory standards, while also supporting operational delivery and driving improvements in performance and capability.
As a key member of the Pharma Services senior management team, you will help shape the strategic direction of the analytical function, leading initiatives that support growth, operational excellence and innovation. You will also play a visible role internally and externally, representing Almac in client interactions and contributing to business development activities.
This opportunity would suit a strong, forward‑thinking leader with deep analytical and operational experience who thrives in a fast‑paced, regulated environment and is passionate about developing high‑performing teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading Analytical Operations across Craigavon and Dundalk sites
- Ensuring laboratories operate in compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements
- Driving performance against operational, financial and quality targets
- Leading strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives
- Supporting client relationships and business development activities
- Managing analytical capacity, resources and investment aligned to business growth
- Providing visible leadership and fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence and learning
- Supporting global alignment and a ‘one team’ approach across analytical functions
What you need to be successful:
To succeed in this role, you will bring significant leadership experience within an analytical or laboratory environment, along with strong operational and strategic capability. You will be confident in leading teams across locations, driving performance and influencing stakeholders, while maintaining a strong focus on quality and compliance.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have:
- A degree in an analytical or chemistry‑related discipline
- Significant experience operating at a senior level within an analytical or laboratory function
- Strong leadership experience, managing multi‑site or large‑scale teams
- Experience managing budgets, resources and capital investment
- Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g. GMP or GLP)
- A proven track record of driving operational excellence and continuous improvement
- Experience supporting pharmaceutical development through commercial supply
- Experience working within a CDMO environment or similar client‑facing setting
Further information:
For further information on essential and desirable criteria, please review the job description attached to the online job posting. This role reports to the VP of Analytical Operations and has responsibility for Analytical Operations teams across both the Craigavon and Dundalk sites. The role will involve regular interaction with senior leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and participation in client meetings and strategic projects. Occasional travel between sites will be required.
Almac Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Director of Analytical Operations in Craigavon employer: OASIS Group
Almac Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Craigavon and Dundalk where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values quality and compliance. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to advancing human health while enjoying the benefits of a supportive workplace that prioritises your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Analytical Operations in Craigavon
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like OASIS Group. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like OASIS Group.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like OASIS Group. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what OASIS Group is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Analytical Operations in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at OASIS Group!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show OASIS Group that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at OASIS Group!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At OASIS Group, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at OASIS Group
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at OASIS Group that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with OASIS Group’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
