Head of Operations – Biologics, RNA & MMIC
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Darlington, County Durham
Job Ref: BBBH189500_1793098051
Date Added: October 27th, 2026
Multi-site (primarily based in Darlington, with regular travel to our Glasgow site) – Permanent – £65,000 – £85,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Operations to join CPI's Biologics, RNA Centre of Excellence and Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC). This is a senior leadership role for an experienced operations professional who is passionate about enabling scientific innovation through operational excellence.
Working across two sites in Darlington and Glasgow, you will be responsible for leading multidisciplinary operational teams, driving continuous improvement, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing the infrastructure and operational capability required to support the growth of CPI's biologics and RNA activities.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will play an important role in shaping the future direction of CPI's facilities, helping to create an environment where innovation, scientific excellence and operational performance can thrive.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing strategic and operational leadership across the Biologics, RNA and MMIC facilities.
- Leading and developing multidisciplinary teams responsible for operations, engineering, facilities and site services.
- Ensuring compliance with GMP, Health & Safety, environmental and quality standards across all operational activities.
- Driving operational excellence initiatives to improve efficiency, performance, reliability and service delivery.
- Overseeing facilities management, maintenance programmes, engineering compliance and critical infrastructure.
- Managing operational budgets and resources to ensure effective and sustainable site performance.
- Developing and implementing operational strategies that support business growth and future capability requirements.
- Managing contractor and supplier relationships to ensure service quality, compliance and value for money.
- Supporting business continuity planning, risk management activities and operational resilience.
- Leading change initiatives, capital projects and site improvement programmes.
About You
We're looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong track record of delivering results within highly regulated scientific, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or advanced manufacturing environments.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
- Significant leadership experience within regulated operational, manufacturing, engineering or facilities environments.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams across complex technical organisations.
- A strong understanding of GMP-regulated environments and associated compliance requirements.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
- Experience managing operational budgets, resources and continuous improvement programmes.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
Particularly Relevant Experience
While not essential, we would be interested in candidates with knowledge or experience of:
- Biologics, RNA, pharmaceutical or advanced therapy manufacturing environments.
- GMP facilities management and engineering compliance.
- Validation, qualification and change control processes.
- Utilities, cleanrooms and critical manufacturing infrastructure.
- Asset management and maintenance strategy development.
- Lean, Six Sigma or other operational excellence methodologies.
- Large-scale improvement, transformation or capital investment programmes.
- Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional institution.
- Health & Safety qualifications such as NEBOSH.
What We're Looking For
- Is a visible and inspirational leader who develops and motivates teams.
- Enjoys working at the intersection of operations, engineering and scientific innovation.
- Can think strategically whilst maintaining focus on operational delivery.
- Is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.
- Takes a proactive approach to driving continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.
- Wants to make a meaningful impact on the future of biologics, RNA and medicines manufacturing innovation.
The Opportunity
This is an exceptional opportunity to join CPI at a pivotal time of growth and development. If you're an experienced operational leader looking for a role where you can combine strategic leadership, operational excellence and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
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Head of Operations - Biologics, RNA & MMIC employer: SRG (United Kingdom)
CPI is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly in the dynamic setting of Sedgefield. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects that enhance HR systems and data insights, all while enjoying a supportive hybrid work environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning in the ever-evolving life sciences sector.
