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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist laboratory through a pivotal relocation and growth phase.
- Company: Join a leading lab focused on quality control for pharmaceuticals, backed by an international group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, strong support, and a close-knit team culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of industry change, driving innovation and collaboration in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in regulated labs or TICC services; strong communication and commercial skills required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for first-time MDs looking to make a significant impact.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Job Description
Managing Director (MD)
- Location: Watford
- Reporting To: Divisional Managing Director
- Salary: £80,000 per annum plus significant LTIP
About the Business
A leading specialist laboratory dedicated to Quality Control Release Testing for pharmaceutical importers is seeking a Managing Director. The business, with a turnover of approximately £4m, is a valued part of an international group specialising in technical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) services. Backed by this supportive parent group, the laboratory benefits from strong industry knowledge, shared best practices, and long-term stability, while maintaining operational independence and a close-knit team culture.
The business enters a significant phase marked by the retirement of its current Managing Director and a strategic relocation of its laboratory. There is also an active focus on growth and diversification, including expansion into food supplement testing and broader life sciences markets.
Role Summary
This Managing Director role provides a rare opportunity to lead a specialist business at a pivotal time. You will have overall responsibility for strategy, operations, people, and growth, ensuring compliance, driving the major relocation project, and spearheading diversification efforts. Collaboration with group leaders from the parent company will allow you to leverage global expertise, resources, and support while preserving the laboratory’s specialist focus and client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the business's strategic growth and diversification plans.
- Oversee and successfully execute the large-scale laboratory relocation initiative.
- Ensure continuous regulatory compliance across all operational areas.
- Expand the laboratory's services, including launching food supplement testing and targeting new market sectors.
- Build and nurture a high-performing, inclusive, and adaptable team culture.
- Maintain and strengthen client relationships throughout the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and related industries.
- Actively engage and collaborate with stakeholders and peers across the global parent group for knowledge sharing and operational excellence.
About the Laboratory
- Specialist analytical services for the pharmaceutical sector, including batch certification, stability testing, method development and validation, raw material testing, and compliance analysis for unlicensed and veterinary products.
- Committed to stringent regulatory standards for both the human and veterinary medicines markets.
- Currently focused on expanding service offerings and entering the food supplement and wider life sciences sectors.
- Benefits from the structure, investment, and network of an established, international TICC-focused parent group, while maintaining a tight-knit operational environment.
Candidate Profile
- Leadership experience in a regulated laboratory, pharmaceutical, scientific, or TICC (Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance) services environment.
- This could be a great step up for someone moving into an MD role for the first time
- Demonstrated ability to manage change and lead teams through periods of transformation.
- Commercial acumen with a record of business growth, service diversification, and market development.
- Strong familiarity with regulatory frameworks, laboratory best practices, and quality management.
- Excellent communicator, capable of fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture.
- Experience working within or alongside a multi-business group structure is advantageous but not essential.
Managing Director employer: Solutions Driven
Contact Detail:
Solutions Driven Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical and TICC sectors. Attend industry conferences or seminars to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the current trends in laboratory operations and regulatory compliance. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed change in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where you've led teams through transformation, as this is crucial for the Managing Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the parent company's structure and its strategic goals. Understanding how the laboratory fits into the larger group will allow you to articulate how you can contribute to both local and global objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant leadership experience in regulated laboratories or TICC services. Emphasise your achievements in business growth and service diversification, as these are key aspects of the Managing Director role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your vision for the laboratory's growth and how your experience aligns with the company's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and led teams through transformation.
Highlight Regulatory Knowledge: Given the importance of compliance in this role, ensure you detail your familiarity with regulatory frameworks and quality management practices in your application. This will demonstrate your capability to maintain high standards within the laboratory.
Showcase Communication Skills: As an excellent communicator, provide examples in your application of how you've fostered an inclusive and high-performance culture in previous roles. This is crucial for building and nurturing a strong team environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solutions Driven
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Managing Director, your leadership experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in regulated environments, particularly in laboratories or pharmaceutical settings.
✨Demonstrate Change Management Skills
This role involves overseeing significant changes, such as the laboratory relocation. Share instances where you've managed change effectively, highlighting your strategies for leading teams through transitions.
✨Highlight Commercial Acumen
Discuss your track record of business growth and service diversification. Be ready to provide examples of how you've identified market opportunities and successfully expanded services in previous roles.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Articulate your vision for the laboratory's future, especially regarding growth and diversification into new sectors like food supplements. Show that you understand the industry landscape and can lead the team towards achieving strategic goals.
