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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage lab operations, procurement, and project management while supporting experimental work.
- Company: Join Planet Smart, a start-up tackling plastic pollution with innovative biomaterials.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonus, 20 days holiday, and access to coaching.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Chemistry or Material Science with 3 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: On-site role located in White City, London.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Planet Smart is developing new biomaterials to face the plastic pollution crisis and curb carbon emissions from this polluting industry. We are first tackling menstrual pads.
Your Role
As laboratory operations manager, you will work closely with the founding team and the research team to manage both long-term and day-to-day laboratory operations. The role covers several areas, giving you exposure to experimental work, project management, and procurement.
Responsibilities
- Procurement: Manage the laboratory budget & inventory and ensure timely replenishment of stock, maintain relationships with existing suppliers and assess new vendors.
- Project management & reporting: Deliver regular reports on work completed in an organized manner, support the founding team in ensuring experimental work is done according to project plan and identified priorities.
- Operations: Act as liaison between the research team and the building management/services, investigate availability of and book equipment.
- Experimental work: Take over routine finished product testing according to standardized procedure.
Knowledge / Experience required
- BSc/MSc in Chemistry or Material Science.
- At least 3 years professional experience in operations, project management, scheduling or laboratory work in life science/chemistry setting.
- Laboratory work experience, at minimum during university studies.
- Experience delivering timely reports to leadership.
- Structured and organized way of working for overall lab management.
- Experience in lab data analysis with attention to detail.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude, presenting solutions rather than problems.
- Excellent communication skills and experience working in multicultural teams, fluent in English.
What we offer
- 12-month starting contract at £35-40,000 plus 12% performance bonus, with possibility to extend.
- 20 days holidays + bank holidays.
- Access to a professional & personal coach.
- Location: White City, London (on-site presence for this role is necessary).
Laboratory Operations Manager employer: Planet Smart
Contact Detail:
Planet Smart Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Planet Smart's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and innovation will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your passion for the environment and how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biomaterials and life sciences sectors. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company culture or the specific challenges they face, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed laboratory operations, dealt with suppliers, or delivered reports, as these are key aspects of the role that the hiring team will be keen to explore.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial spirit by thinking of innovative solutions to common lab challenges. During interviews, present ideas on how you could improve efficiency or sustainability in laboratory operations, demonstrating your proactive approach and alignment with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Mission: Familiarise yourself with Planet Smart's mission to tackle plastic pollution. Highlight your alignment with their values and how your experience can contribute to their goals in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant experience in laboratory operations, project management, and procurement. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and deliver reports effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also showcases your passion for sustainability and innovation in materials science. Mention any entrepreneurial experiences or problem-solving skills that align with the role.
Highlight Multicultural Experience: Since the role requires excellent communication skills in multicultural teams, emphasise any previous experiences working in diverse environments. This will show your adaptability and ability to collaborate effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Smart
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of laboratory operations, project management, and procurement. Brush up on your knowledge of biomaterials and the specific challenges in the hygiene product industry, as this will show your genuine interest in Planet Smart's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in operations and laboratory work. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets, maintained supplier relationships, or delivered reports to leadership. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising between teams, be ready to talk about your experience working in multicultural environments. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to diverse audiences, as this is crucial for success in the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Attitude
Planet Smart values an entrepreneurial spirit and a can-do attitude. Prepare to discuss situations where you've encountered challenges and how you approached them with solutions rather than problems. This will align well with the company's innovative culture.
