Head of Operations

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are currently looking for a Head of Operations to join our client, a life sciences organisation, based primarily in Durham with regular travel to Glasgow. As the Head of Operations you will be responsible for multidisciplinary teams supporting pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical operations, process engineering and compliant facilities across both sites.

This senior leadership opportunity combines day-to-day operational oversight with the scope to shape future capability across biologics, RNA and medicines manufacturing. As Head of Operations, you will help ensure that people, facilities and infrastructure are safe, secure, compliant and ready to support current programmes and future growth, translating innovation into practical impact.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Your duties as the Head of Operations will be varied however the key duties and responsibilities are as follows:

1. Lead operations across Durham and Glasgow, aligning standards, resources and risk management. You will develop and motivate multidisciplinary teams, translate strategy into clear objectives and drive operational improvements, while contributing to budgets, capability planning and future infrastructure requirements.

2. Oversee facilities, buildings, laboratories, utilities and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice, ISO 9001, statutory engineering and safety, health and environmental requirements. Your remit will include asset management, maintenance, statutory inspections, calibration and engineering compliance.

3. Provide leadership for equipment validation, engineering change control and safe operational delivery. You will strengthen a consistent safety culture, oversee incident management, business continuity and emergency preparedness, and resolve complex technical and operational issues requiring sound judgement.

4. Work closely with quality, safety, engineering and technical colleagues, alongside internal and external stakeholders, to support multidisciplinary projects from design through implementation. You will provide senior operational and Good Manufacturing Practice advice, balancing immediate programme needs with longer-term development of people, systems and manufacturing capability.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

To be successful in your application to this exciting opportunity as the Head of Operations we are looking to identify the following on your profile and past history:

1. Relevant degree or equivalent in a scientific or engineering discipline, supported by senior-level industrial experience. A formal health and safety qualification, such as NEBOSH, chartered professional status or a supervisory or management qualification would be advantageous.

2. Proven industry experience in senior pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical operations, with significant technical expertise in Good Manufacturing Practice and a strong understanding of safety, quality and regulatory requirements. You will bring a track record of leading, developing and motivating operational teams, building effective stakeholder relationships and making sound decisions where no clear precedent exists.

3. A working knowledge and practical experience with laboratory or manufacturing facilities, infrastructure, maintenance, asset management and engineering compliance, alongside multidisciplinary project delivery from design to implementation. Experience covering regulated utilities, validation, warehousing or pharmaceutical manufacturing would be valuable, as would exposure to business development, innovation or entrepreneurial environments.

Key Words:

Head of Operations / Pharmaceutical Operations / Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing / GMP / Facilities Management / Engineering Compliance / Equipment Validation / Operational Leadership / Biologics / RNA Manufacturing

Hyper Recruitment Solutions Ltd (HRS) is an Equal Opportunities employer. We welcome applications from anyone who meets the role requirements. HRS exclusively supports the Life Science sectors, combining recruitment expertise with scientific knowledge to help you advance your career.