A standout opportunity for an experienced operations leader to take ownership of a high‑performing laboratory business. This role offers the chance to drive strategy, shape business growth, elevate client experience, and build a strong, future‑ready team. You will have the autonomy to influence direction, champion innovation, and deliver excellence across operational, quality, and commercial performance.

Why This Role Is a Great Move for You

• Strategic influence: You'll shape the business plan, set direction, and drive long‑term growth.
• Leadership impact: Lead multidisciplinary teams, build talent, and develop succession pipelines.
• Innovation & improvement: Introduce new methodologies, optimise processes, and drive continuous improvement at scale.
• Client partnership: Strengthen key client relationships and support the expansion of value‑added services.
• Career growth: Ideal for someone seeking broader operational ownership and strategic cross‑functional exposure.
• Purpose-driven work: Ensure high‑quality, compliant laboratory operations that meet industry standards and support customer confidence.

What You'll Lead & Deliver
Business Strategy & Growth

• Develop and maintain the strategic business plan, reporting regularly on progress.
• Identify technological and financial opportunities to expand the microbiology business.
• Drive diversification and build pricing strategies that enable sustainable, high‑margin growth.
• Lead business development initiatives, including market targeting and relationship management.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure high‑quality, compliant laboratory services with a strong focus on delivery performance.
• Implement group initiatives and share best practices to raise standards across the wider organisation.
• Monitor KPIs and take action to improve operational outcomes.
• Maintain and optimise the Quality Management System and site accreditation requirements.

Client Experience & Retention

• Build strong, long‑term client relationships that support retention and growth.
• Lead contract reviews, KPI delivery, and proactive client engagement.

People Leadership

• Manage staffing requirements, recruitment, training, and succession planning.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and support to ensure capability development and strong team performance.
• Address performance issues promptly and effectively.

Compliance, Safety & Sustainability

• Ensure full adherence to legal requirements, producing monthly and annual regulatory reports.
• Enhance safety culture and ensure compliance with safety policies.
• Support sustainability initiatives and embed them into daily operations.

Who Thrives in This Role
This position is perfect for someone who:

• Enjoys shaping strategy and influencing business direction.
• Thrives in a science‑led, quality‑driven operational environment.
• Has a curious mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Is energised by leading teams and developing talent.
• Wants ownership, autonomy, and a role where they can make a measurable impact.

Skills & Experience That Set You Up for Success

• 3-5 years' experience in a comparable operations management role.
• Degree in a scientific discipline or significant experience in food manufacturing or commercial laboratory operations.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Highly organised, flexible, and improvement‑driven.
• Ability to travel; full driving licence required.

Click Below to Apply.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.