Lab Operations Manager

Role Summary

The Laboratory Operations Manager will oversee day‑to‑day laboratory management operations at customer sites and lead the team within a dynamic, research‑driven environment. The role focuses on delivering high‑quality support services, driving service excellence, and enabling scientists to concentrate on breakthrough research.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead laboratory support operations across R&D laboratories.
• Ensure effective delivery of laboratory support services, stock management, and stores operations.
• Support extended working patterns and evolving business requirements.
• Ensure service continuity and operational excellence across laboratory environments.
• Manage service escalations and drive timely resolution of operational challenges.

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• Act as the primary interface between laboratory users, customers, suppliers, and support functions.
• Lead customer meetings, governance reviews, and operational discussions.
• Build strong relationships with scientific, operational, and leadership stakeholders.
• Provide proactive communication and effective stakeholder management across all levels.
• Promote a customer‑focused culture and continuously improve the user experience.

Operational & Financial Management

• Manage operational and financial processes, including cost journaling and cost centre cross‑charging activities.
• Handle building‑related operational activities.
• Plan evacuation procedures and return‑to‑building processes.
• Ensure resources are managed effectively to meet current and future business needs.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Drive service performance through reporting, metrics, and data analysis.
• Identify trends and opportunities for service enhancements.
• Lead lean initiatives and process improvement projects.
• Evaluate and implement new tools, technologies, and innovative solutions.
• Champion digital transformation and AI‑driven initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, and customer experience.
• Support sustainability and operational excellence programs.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for direct reports.
• Create a high‑performing and engaged team culture.
• Lead succession planning, talent development, and retention initiatives.
• Ensure clear objectives, accountability, and performance expectations.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment activities.
• Act as deputy for senior leadership when required.

Compliance, Safety & Wellbeing

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a safe and secure working environment.
• Support associate wellbeing, mental health, and engagement initiatives.
• Actively contribute to first aid and emergency response processes.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and laboratory best practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong laboratory background with a solid understanding of R&D and laboratory operations.
• Proven experience leading operational teams within a laboratory, scientific, pharmaceutical, or research environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing customer relationships and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong people leadership and team development experience.
• Experience managing KPIs, service metrics, governance reviews, and operational performance.
• Strong resource management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing abilities.
• Proven ability to lead change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Experience & Skills

• Experience implementing AI solutions to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
• Experience driving digitalisation and technology transformation programmes.
• Experience of positive impacts of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with laboratory relocations, building transitions, or large operational projects.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams within a regulated environment.
• Strong data analytics and reporting capabilities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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