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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale UK Clinical Trials operations, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient access to life-changing therapies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in pharma with strong leadership and operational skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
Location: Horsham (Multi-site UK role)
Role Overview
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Every day, our colleagues bring our Mission to life—enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. By joining our Pharma Services team, you will be part of a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) trusted by biotech and biopharma companies worldwide for speed, flexibility, and quality across every phase of drug development.
Our end-to-end capabilities span clinical trial logistics, packaging, distribution, and commercial manufacturing, supporting many of today’s most important therapies—and helping shape the future of healthcare.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Director, Clinical Trials to lead and scale our UK Clinical Trials operations. Based primarily at our Horsham site, this senior leadership role also supports our Crawley and Bishop's Stortford locations, with occasional travel required. Given the operational nature of the role, on-site leadership is essential. To support work–life balance, we offer flexibility for up to one remote working day per week.
As Director of Operations, Clinical Trials, you will be accountable for end-to-end operational performance, overseeing Clinical Packaging, Commercial Packaging, Supply Chain, and Operations Support. Sitting at the intersection of strategy and execution, this role plays a critical part in ensuring patients gain timely access to life-changing therapies—without compromise to safety, quality, or compliance.
You will lead with purpose, building resilient teams, strengthening customer partnerships, and driving continuous improvement in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment. Working closely with site, regional, and divisional leaders, you will translate business strategy into operational excellence, support site growth and expansion, and reinforce Thermo Fisher Scientific's reputation as a trusted partner in clinical trial delivery. Your impact will be tangible, measurable, and directly connected to our Mission.
What will you do?
- Lead and ensure full compliance with GMP and cGMP principles across all operational areas
- Serve as a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), championing company values, culture, and strategy
- Set, manage, and deliver operational objectives aligned with site goals, customer commitments, and long-term business performance
- Review operational performance, report insights, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Foster a service-focused, collaborative, and accountable culture within Operations
- Partner effectively with Client Services, Quality, Engineering, EHS, Planning, HR, and Site Leadership to deliver business plans
- Own Sales & Operations Planning, ensuring effective labour and resource allocation
- Build strong customer relationships and support new project and line implementations
- Collaborate with the General Manager and SLT to strengthen and communicate the site value proposition
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams, ensuring robust succession planning and capability development
- Engage across sites, regions, and the wider division to deliver shared organisational objectives
- Ensure all work is performed safely, efficiently, and compliantly
- Support additional initiatives as required by the General Manager
Keys to Success
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Business, Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
- 10+ years' experience within pharmaceutical clinical and/or commercial supply environments
- 5+ years' senior leadership experience, managing both people and business performance
- Proven leadership of multi-shift manufacturing, packaging, and distribution operations
- Strong background in commercial packaging, including new line implementation and process optimisation
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Deep understanding of GMP, cGMP, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, performance analysis, and cost optimisation
- Data-driven, analytical mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
- Ability to lead cross-functionally and influence at all levels
- Inclusive leadership style with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to build, motivate, and retain high-performing teams
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities
- Comfortable making sound decisions in dynamic, regulated environments
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We prohibit discrimination based on any protected characteristic.
Note: This job description outlines the role's primary responsibilities and expectations but is not an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve based on business needs.
Director of Operations in London employer: Thermofisher Scientific
Contact Detail:
Thermofisher Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more we practice, the more confident we’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in clinical trials or GMP compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and built high-performing teams in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your inclusive leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed cross-functional teams. We want to see how you can foster a collaborative culture within our operations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thermofisher Scientific
✨Know Your GMP Inside Out
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Brush up on these principles and be ready to discuss how you've implemented them in past roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the standards but can lead teams in adhering to them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's values. Prepare examples of how you've built and motivated high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you foster a collaborative culture and drive continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
Expect questions about managing operational performance and overcoming challenges in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex situations, optimised processes, or improved efficiency. Highlight your data-driven approach and how it led to tangible results.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
As this role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, it's crucial to understand how your operational decisions impact the overall business. Be prepared to discuss how you've aligned operational objectives with broader company goals and how you plan to support site growth and expansion.