Head of Lab Operations

Executive Director – Global Head of Laboratory Operations

Overview

A leading global biopharmaceutical organisation is seeking a senior leader to oversee and advance laboratory operations across its worldwide research and development network. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that laboratory environments, systems, and processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with the needs of scientific teams.

You will operate at the crossroads of science, operational delivery, and long-term strategy—driving initiatives that improve productivity, streamline workflows, and support innovation across a complex international footprint.

The Opportunity

As a senior member of the operational excellence leadership team, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the strategy for laboratory operations across multiple regions. Your work will enable researchers to focus on discovery by ensuring that infrastructure, services, and support systems run seamlessly.

You will also play a central role in major transformation initiatives, including future campus developments and the evolution of global laboratory strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement a global framework for laboratory operations, including governance, roles, and standardised processes
• Develop and execute strategies to scale and optimise laboratory services across R&D, improving efficiency and reducing administrative overhead
• Ensure comprehensive operational support for laboratories, covering equipment, facilities, utilities, procurement, maintenance, and material logistics
• Lead long-term planning for laboratory capacity, space utilisation, and infrastructure readiness
• Oversee relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring performance, cost control, and continuous improvement
• Manage operational budgets, including both capital and operational expenditures
• Drive innovation in laboratory operations, including automation, robotics, and data-driven solutions
• Act as the central point of accountability for laboratory operations, including safety, compliance, and procurement
• Establish clear escalation pathways to resolve issues and protect research timelines

Why This Role Matters

This position is central to enabling scientific progress by ensuring that laboratory operations are consistent, efficient, and future-ready. You will:

• Lead high-impact, organisation-wide initiatives that influence how research is conducted
• Drive transformation programmes that modernise laboratory environments and capabilities
• Balance the needs of scientific teams with operational efficiency and scalability
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to shape the future of lab operations globally

Your Background

• Extensive experience within pharmaceutical or life sciences R&D environments
• Strong track record in managing laboratory operations, including facilities, equipment, procurement, and vendor relationships
• Demonstrated success in improving operational performance and implementing new systems or processes
• Experience managing significant budgets and financial planning
• Solid understanding of safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements within laboratory settings
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Leadership Capabilities

• Proven experience leading large, complex, and geographically dispersed teams
• Ability to influence and align stakeholders across functions, regions, and organisational levels
• Strong track record in delivering transformation initiatives and organisational change
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
• Skilled in building collaboration across diverse teams and balancing competing priorities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, engineering, or business
• Significant professional experience (typically 15 years) in R&D or laboratory operations
• Extensive leadership experience (7 years), including managing teams and driving change
• Experience working in complex, matrixed organisations

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in a scientific or business discipline
• Certifications related to operational excellence, process improvement, or vendor management

Additional Details

• Hybrid working model
• Approximately 10–15% travel, including international travel
• Flexibility required to collaborate across global time zones

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary, typically ranging from approximately $238,000 to $374,000 annually, depending on experience and location
• Eligibility for performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, and wellbeing support