Life Sciences Operations & Technical Manager
Aberdeen (ONE BioHub, Foresterhill Campus)

We are delighted to be partnering with Opportunity North East (ONE) to recruit a Life Sciences Operations & Technical Manager. You will keep ONE BioHub, a commercial life sciences facility in Aberdeen, safe, compliant and running well for the founders and companies based there.

The role

Reporting to the Director of ONE Life Sciences and ONE BioHub, you will manage the leasing and all technical aspects of operating the facility. You will give tenants confidence that it meets the standards their science and funders require.

Day to day, you will:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the BioHub's laboratories, office space, shared equipment and building infrastructure
• Administer tenant leases, rent reviews and lease compliance, working with ONE Finance & Commercial
• Track and grow occupancy and space utilisation, and develop commercial offerings such as shared equipment access and technical services
• Lead health & safety, biosafety, fire and environmental compliance, including risk assessments, SOPs, a live risk register, audits and incident investigation
• Maintain the accreditations and documentation needed to operate as a compliant life sciences facility
• Manage the facilities management contract and specialist contractors, ensuring KPIs, standards and value for money are met
• Assess prospective tenants for technical suitability, then onboard them and provide training and competency assessments on shared labs and equipment
• Be the main contact for tenants and founders on technical, laboratory, facilities and lease matters
• Oversee fit-out contractors, including the BioHub Phase 2 fit out, with minimal disruption to tenants
• Contribute technical input to funding bids, business cases and reports

This is a hands-on role. It includes routine environmental monitoring and cleaning of shared facilities, and occasional cover for front-of-house duties.

About you

You are technically capable, safety-minded and customer-focused. You can explain technical requirements to non-technical audiences, and you are comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

Essential:

• Qualification in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Facilities Management or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH), or willingness to obtain one
• Experience managing facilities, laboratories or technical operations in a life sciences, research or industrial environment
• Experience managing an FM contract or specialist technical contractors and suppliers
• Sound knowledge of laboratory health & safety, biosafety, regulatory compliance, risk management and fire safety
• Experience conducting risk assessments and audits and managing non-conformances
• Experience administering commercial leases or tenancy agreements in a shared workspace, incubator or science park
• Strong problem-solving, organisational and administrative skills
• Flexibility, including occasional out-of-hours availability for facilities issues

Desirable:

• Facilities or estates management, biosafety/COSHH, lead auditor or fire safety qualification
• Experience in a life sciences innovation centre, science park or commercial laboratory
• Knowledge of the Scottish and UK life sciences regulatory landscape
• Experience with ISO or other accreditation processes
• Budget management, contract negotiation and supplier management experience
• Familiarity with CRM or facilities/asset management systems

Why apply?

• Take ownership of a flagship life sciences facility during an exciting period of growth, including Phase 2 fit out
• Directly shape the quality of support for Scotland's life sciences founders
• Join an organisation committed to public value, inclusion and continuous learning

Opportunity North East is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

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