X4 Engineering
Operations Manager – Environmental Testing Laboratory
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Overview
A leading provider of environmental testing services is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take responsibility for operational excellence across a large laboratory site in Newmarket.
This is a key leadership role focused on improving performance, driving operational discipline and supporting the continued growth and transformation of a complex laboratory environment.
The successful candidate will sit above existing laboratory leadership teams, providing strategic direction, improving processes, embedding accountability and ensuring the site operates efficiently, safely and effectively.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced operations leader who enjoys working in turnaround environments, improving performance and building high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic operational leadership across a multi-function laboratory environment, working closely with laboratory managers and technical teams.
- Drive operational improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, productivity, quality, service delivery and customer outcomes.
- Review current processes, identify areas for improvement and implement sustainable solutions to improve laboratory performance.
- Establish clear operational KPIs, reporting structures and performance management frameworks.
- Support laboratory leadership teams through periods of change, ensuring alignment, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Act as a visible site leader, engaging with teams at all levels to build trust, improve culture and encourage ownership.
- Identify operational risks and implement strategies to improve resilience, capacity planning and business continuity.
- Work collaboratively with Quality, Technical, Commercial and Support functions to ensure operational objectives are achieved.
- Manage budgets, resources and operational priorities to support business performance.
- Lead improvement programmes using recognised methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement approaches.
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Candidate Profile
We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong background in regulated laboratory, scientific, manufacturing or testing environments.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience leading operations within a complex, regulated environment.
- Experience managing through change, transformation or turnaround situations.
- A track record of improving operational performance, efficiency and team capability.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, challenge and develop existing management teams.
- Experience managing managers and leading larger operational teams.
- Strong understanding of quality systems, compliance requirements and regulated environments.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, resources and operational priorities.
- A structured approach to problem-solving with a focus on data, KPIs and continuous improvement.
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Desirable Experience
- Background within laboratory testing, environmental testing, life sciences, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics or another regulated scientific sector.
- Experience working within ISO-accredited environments (ISO 17025 experience highly desirable).
- Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma or operational excellence programmes.
- Experience leading teams through cultural and operational change.
What’s on Offer
- The opportunity to play a key role in transforming and improving a major laboratory operation.
- A senior operational leadership position with significant influence over site performance.
- The chance to work within a highly regulated scientific environment supporting essential testing services.
- Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and seniority.
This role would suit an experienced Operations Manager, Head of Operations, Site Operations Leader, Laboratory Operations Director or Operational Excellence professional looking to make a significant impact within a complex laboratory environment.
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