Automation Leader in Stevenage

We're looking for an experienced Automation Leader to join our OneSource team in Stevenage. The OneSource Automation Leader ensures delivery of best‑in‑class service delivery and customer support by overseeing service resources and individual contributors. The Automation Leader works in close collaboration with the customer stakeholders, and internal service leadership to ensure all laboratory support services are executed in compliance with regulatory, safety, and contractual requirements. The role is accountable for tracking, analyzing, and reporting critical KPIs while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and contribute to the team in the delivery of high-quality automation service support to the customers.
• Responsible for overseeing the work, training, development and safety of all reporting staff and dealing with operational and performance issues within the team; escalating to line manager as appropriate.
• Assisting in the recruitment process of suitable personnel for the TLS team, carrying out induction and training and routine performance management.
• Ensure team procedures are performed within the confines of the relevant safety regulations.
• Assist in the generation of SOPs/work instructions/local method statements/risk assessments where necessary.
• Ascertain any relevant quality, skill, or safety requirements.
• Ensure team compliance with all relevant working instructions, SOPs, and safety instructions.
• Act as an ambassador for TLS and promote PerkinElmer's core values.
• Escalate business development opportunities to line manager.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of data including performance metrics.
• Act as 'first‑responder' for critical equipment breakdowns, ensuring minimal impact on scientific activity.
• Perform on‑going system performance analysis based upon error logs, live run interventions and root‑cause analysis & trending of errors to mitigate their reoccurrence.
• Provide technical mediation in the event of long‑running equipment issues involving multiple vendors.
• Assist in developing training packages tailored to the automation platforms, intended for both LIS Engineers & the client's scientific workforce.
• Develop and implement a proactive maintenance regime for key equipment.
• Oversee & participate in equipment support activities.
• Train scientists in best practice for the use of automated equipment, ensuring optimal routine and operation.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.
• Be an active member of the scientific teams – contribute at team meetings by presenting data and looking for opportunities for innovation.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with the team leader and customer or by sharing the best practice(s) with other groups.
• Track assay performance metrics and communicate issues and suggest improvements to current assay methodology, supporting evaluation of new technologies where applicable.

Qualifications

• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.
• Technical expertise in using and/or performing a variety of laboratory activities using integrated automated platforms and liquid handlers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Self‑motivated and able to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
• An ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.
• Service orientated attitude combined with innovative thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills; strong team player with customer satisfaction focus.
• Ability to execute new and established methods and protocols.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.
• Understanding of standard software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office).
• Ability to operate within company and/or customer site safety codes of practice.
• BSc or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g. Engineering, Technical or Scientific) with relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrable experience of leading teams, delivering training, or coaching and mentoring staff in an industry setting.
• 2 years of demonstrated technical expertise in performing a variety of laboratory activities using automated techniques.
• Knowledgeable in good laboratory safety practices.
• Masters or Doctorate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. Engineering, Technical or Scientific).
• Solid understanding of core competencies involved in operating liquid handling and integrated automation platforms.
• Experience writing protocols using (Cellario, Evoware, Fluent Control, Momentum, VWorks or an equivalent software package).
• Experience working in a Pharmaceutical, Biotech or CRO, or other scientific laboratory environment.
• Experience in a regulated environment beneficial.
• Experience of developing & optimising complex protocols on liquid handling automation.

Benefits

• Income Protection Insurance that ensures your income is protected when life takes the unexpected turn.
• Life Assurance for added peace of mind.
• Access to our WeCare Programme, offering medical, mental health, legal, and financial support.
• MyStrength – a personalised wellbeing app.
• AXA Health & Wellbeing App to help you stay on top of your health.
• Private Medical Insurance, including Doctor at Hand for 24/7, 365 access to a GP.
• Enhanced company pension contributions (subject to increased employee contribution) to help you plan for the future.
• Exclusive discounts via Benefit Hub and BHN Extras.
• Generous employee referral rewards.
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme to make commuting easier.
• Cycle to Work Scheme promoting a healthier, greener commute.