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Sample Dispatch Team Lead – Stevenage, UK
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a key player in the life sciences sector, offering an excellent opportunity for a Sample Dispatch Team Lead to join a dynamic scientific operations environment in Stevenage, UK (Full-Time, On-Site).
This is a leadership role focused on team management, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement within sample dispatch services. You will play a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of services, achieving KPIs, and supporting future growth.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Bonus scheme
- Pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for your birthday
- Opportunity to contribute to a growing, high-impact life sciences service
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Team Management
- Manage, coach, and develop direct reports, including performance management and development planning
- Set clear expectations and provide regular, constructive feedback
- Support team engagement, growth, and capability building
2. Operations & Service Delivery
- Lead day-to-day sample dispatch operations, managing workload, priorities, and task execution
- Ensure delivery of agreed Scope of Work and achievement of monthly KPIs
- Provide first-line operational support and subject matter expertise
3. Compliance & Quality
- Ensure all activities comply with GLP, GMP, health & safety, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain a safe, secure, and compliant working environment
- Support audits, inspections, and GEMBA walks
- Oversee handling of regulated materials (e.g., dangerous goods, controlled substances)
4. Process Improvement & Reporting
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation initiatives
- Analyse operational data, trends, and KPIs to identify opportunities
- Prepare and maintain operational reports, dashboards, and governance materials
- Lead or contribute to improvement projects
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5. Stakeholder & Customer Management
- Act as main point of contact for sample dispatch queries and escalations
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and partners
- Gather and act on customer feedback to improve service delivery
- Collaborate with procurement and stakeholders to identify cost efficiencies
6. Documentation & Systems
- Maintain compliant documentation, including:
- SOPs
- Risk assessments
- Training records
- Ensure accurate use of systems for tracking and reporting
- Support audit readiness and quality frameworks
7. Specialist Support
- Act as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA), offering regulatory guidance and issue resolution
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Proven experience in sample management, logistics, or dispatch operations within a regulated environment
- Strong leadership or supervisory experience
- Solid understanding of GMP in a scientific environment
- Knowledge of service KPIs, metrics, and performance tracking
- Experience with LIMS or similar systems and operational reporting
- Extensive knowledge of:
- IATA
- Known Consignor regulations
- ADR ( Dangerous Goods regulations)
- IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)
- Up-to-date training in:
- IATA
- ADR
- IMDG
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- DGSA qualification (or working towards it)
- Experience within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry
- Knowledge of SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) requirements and managerial responsibilities
- Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies
What We’re Looking For
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
- Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving
- Customer-focused, committed to service excellence
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Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a visible leadership role within a growing life sciences service, where you can: ✔ Directly influence team performance ✔ Drive operational excellence ✔ Shape future service development
Disclaimer
The above statements describe general responsibilities and duties but are not exhaustive. Avantor is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Why Avantor?
"Dare to go further in your career."
Join our global team of 14,000+ associates advancing life-changing science. Our impactful work: 🔬 Develops new patient treatments 💼 Supports medical devices that improve lives 🚀 Contributes to global healthcare innovation
At Avantor, we support your growth with: 🌱 A diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture 📚 Career-development learning experiences
Contribute your skills, learn, and grow in a company that chang(es) lives every day.
Key Commitments
- Equal Employment/Affirmative Action, compliance with VEVRAA Federal Contractor policies
- Non-discrimination based on characteristics like sex, gender, race, or disability
- Accommodation requests welcomed via email: recruiting@avantorsciences.com
Privacy Policy: We process your personal data in compliance with our privacy practices.
Contractor Policy: Third-party recruitment agencies must adhere to Avantor’s supplier and recruitment process guidelines. Unauthorised submissions may result in forfeiture of fees. Avantor engages preferred suppliers only on a case-by-case basis.
Apply today! 🚀
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