Site Director, UK South

Site Director UK South

Location: Cambridge UK Client Site: Our Client (Global Life Sciences Organisation)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Site Director to lead a large-scale Laboratory Services operation for our client a world-leading life sciences organisation based in Cambridge. The role has responsibility for the operation of approximately 190 employees supporting multiple customer sites.

This is a high-impact leadership position with end-to-end ownership of service delivery. You will balance people leadership operational excellence and stakeholder management ensuring services are delivered safely compliantly and in line with contractual obligations and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Acting as the primary interface between the customer external service partners and internal VWR teams the Site Director plays a critical role in maintaining strong relationships managing risk and driving sustainable operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Provide overall leadership and direction for a complex multi-site laboratory services operation

Ensure safe compliant and efficient service delivery aligned to contracts and SLAs

Maintain consistent service quality while driving operational excellence

People Leadership

Lead develop and inspire a workforce of approximately 190 employees

Build strong management capability through coaching mentoring and performance leadership

Foster a positive accountable culture focused on engagement and continuous improvement

Stakeholder & Customer Management

Act as the senior point of contact for customer stakeholders

Manage relationships with external service providers and internal functions

Confidently manage expectations priorities and competing demands

Governance Compliance & Risk

Ensure full compliance with regulatory GMP and EHS requirements

Maintain robust governance frameworks and proactively manage operational risk

Lead audits inspections and issue resolution as required

Continuous Improvement & Financial Performance

Identify efficiencies implement lean practices and drive innovation

Deliver cost productivity and process improvements

Maintain financial oversight budget management and performance reporting

What Works Well in This Role

This role suits a leader who thrives in complexity and brings both structure and presence. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail

Comfort operating under pressure and managing competing priorities

Confidence engaging and influencing multiple stakeholder groups

The ability to set boundaries and push back constructively when required

A genuine passion for people leadership with a strong track record of developing managers and teams

Openness to challenge and the confidence to challenge upwards appropriately

What Were Looking For

Proven senior leadership experience managing large-scale site-based operations

Background in laboratory services pharmaceuticals life sciences or other regulated environments

Experience delivering against contracts SLAs and customer expectations

Strong understanding of regulatory GMP and EHS requirements

Commercial awareness with a focus on quality compliance and service excellence

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

What makes this role particularly attractive is the environment and level of autonomy. You will be embedded within one of the worlds leading life sciences organisations operating in a culture built on trust flexibility and empowerment this is very much a no-micromanagement environment.

The role offers significant visibility a strong benefits package and genuine scope to make a lasting measurable impact on a critical operation within a long-term customer partnership.

If you are interested or know someone who could be a good fit do not hesitate to reach out to me!

#LI-Onsite

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14000 associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes peoples lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his moms voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex gender identity sexual orientation race color religious creed national origin physical or mental disability protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal state/province or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process please contact us by email at and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.