38 Laboratory Operations jobs in the United Kingdom

Laboratory Operations & Health and Safety Manager – Southampton

Location: Southampton Science Park

Employment Type: Full-time | On-site

Are you an experienced laboratory professional with a passion for safety, compliance, and operational excellence? We’re seeking a Laboratory Operations and Health & Safety Manager to take ownership of lab operations and ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment.

This is a diverse and hands-on role where you’ll combine expertise in health & safety, laboratory management, and facilities coordination — making a vital impact across scientific and operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of Health & Safety within the lab, including fire safety, risk assessments, and compliance documentation.
• Chair the Health & Safety Committee and ensure all staff training and certifications are up to date.
• Oversee COSHH and GMO compliance , including containment level 2 procedures and biosafety controls.
• Manage equipment maintenance, calibration, and installation, ensuring smooth lab operations.
• Coordinate with suppliers and service partners for maintenance, consumables, and facilities management.
• Administer online training and documentation systems (e.g., Citation, iHasco).
• Support occupational health surveillance, vaccination programs, and emergency preparedness.

About You

• Strong understanding of laboratory health and safety standards and COSHH regulations.
• Proven experience managing lab operations and compliance within a scientific or biotech environment.
• Confident in coordinating multiple stakeholders, including lab staff, contractors, and external partners.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Competent in MS Office and digital management tools (e.g., SharePoint).
• First Aider, Fire Marshal, or Biosafety Officer qualifications are highly desirable.
• Experience in containment level 2 laboratories is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline .
• Knowledge of health & safety governance systems and equipment maintenance best practices.
• Experience handling domestic and international shipments of biological and chemical materials is an advantage.

Our client is a global leader in laboratory services, committed to delivering excellence in technical solutions and customer experience working within highly regulated sectors such as life sciences, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, and environmental analysis.

We’re looking for a dynamic Laboratory & Operations Manager to take ownership of one of their major accounts, shaping the service delivery model and driving operational excellence.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing a diverse team of engineers and administrators to deliver exceptional service every day
• Building strong relationships with clients, become the trusted point of contact for partners, and drive operational performance, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Identify, monitor and manage site performance, identifying service improvement opportunities, guiding process changes, and support the expansion of the services provided onsite
• Present operational reports, lead governance meetings, and communicate effectively with key internal & external stakeholders

We seek a passionate leader who thrives on empowering people, building structure, and delivering results in a client-focused environment.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Proven leadership experience managing teams, engineering or laboratory operations, ideally in a regulated environment (GMP)
• Laboratory or technical operations experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech or medical device sectors
• Excellent communicator with strong relationship-building skills, capable of influencing across teams and driving continuous improvement
• Experience managing budgets, KPIs, and compliance frameworks (e.g., safety, audit readiness)

In this role you’ll be working in a supportive setting where your contributions shape both client success and internal performance. A competitive salary and benefits package is provided, along with ongoing development opportunities and an opportunity to lead a significant client account.

This is a key leadership role, combining technical oversight, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure laboratory services support the broader program goals.

If you are a strategic laboratory leader with a passion for driving operational excellence and client success, we would like to hear from you. Apply now to find out more!

Keyword Summary: Site Lead, Laboratory Services, Team Leadership, Client Account Management, OneSource, Service Delivery, KPIs & SLAs, Technical Service, Laboratory Operations, Engineering Management, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Compliance, Continuous Improvement, Southeast, Surrey, Reading, London, Slough, Berkshire, VRS9183PC

My client is looking for a highly capable Lab Operations Manager to join their cancer research biotech in Southampton. They have significant VC funding to help drive the development of their unique screening platform. This is a rare opportunity to join a world-class team and support the vital work of drug discovery scientists.

This is how you will spend your time

• Supporting C-Suite and senior leaders in the business
• Writing and reviewing the health and safety policy
• Building and managing the health and safety hub intranet
• Chairing the Biosafety and GMO focus group
• Ensuring relevant laboratory processes are compliant
• Overseeing implementation and use of biosafety and biosecurity controls
• Reviewing all laboratory COSHH assessments and GMO risk assessments
• Ensuring that all new laboratory equipment is installed and operated correctly
• Arranging the fire risk assessment

If you have these skills, we are excited to speak with you

• Relevant experience at a biotech or pharma company
• Laboratory H&S and HSE risk assessment
• COSHH and leadership experience
• Exceptional admin skills in an operational capacity
• Experience working in containment level 2 laboratories
• Shipments of biological and chemical samples
• Understanding of border controls and customs
• BSc in life sciences (chemistry, biology)
• MS Office

Strong technical skills aside, you will be able to clearly communicate strategy to scientists and external partners. You will take pride in your work and be both adaptable and dependable.

Interested in finding out more?

The current job holder is leaving in December, so priority will be given to applicants who can join in 2025.

This is a mid-senior position, and you’ll get up to £50,000 + 10% performance bonus, 25 days holiday, 7% pension and life assurance. There is also relocation support if you're located elsewhere in the UK.

I am happy to speak about this opportunity by phone ( ), email ( ) or here on LinkedIn.

We carefully consider applicants and will get back to everyone who hits at least 70% of the job role specification.

Our client is a global leader in laboratory services, committed to delivering excellence in technical solutions and customer experience working within highly regulated sectors such as life sciences, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, and environmental analysis.

We’re looking for a dynamic Laboratory & Operations Manager to take ownership of one of their major accounts, shaping the service delivery model and driving operational excellence.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing a diverse team of engineers and administrators to deliver exceptional service every day
• Building strong relationships with clients, become the trusted point of contact for partners, and drive operational performance, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Identify, monitor and manage site performance, identifying service improvement opportunities, guiding process changes, and support the expansion of the services provided onsite
• Present operational reports, lead governance meetings, and communicate effectively with key internal & external stakeholders

We seek a passionate leader who thrives on empowering people, building structure, and delivering results in a client-focused environment.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Proven leadership experience managing teams, engineering or laboratory operations, ideally in a regulated environment (GMP)
• Laboratory or technical operations experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech or medical device sectors
• Excellent communicator with strong relationship-building skills, capable of influencing across teams and driving continuous improvement
• Experience managing budgets, KPIs, and compliance frameworks (e.g., safety, audit readiness)

In this role you’ll be working in a supportive setting where your contributions shape both client success and internal performance. A competitive salary and benefits package is provided, along with ongoing development opportunities and an opportunity to lead a significant client account.

This is a key leadership role, combining technical oversight, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure laboratory services support the broader program goals.

If you are a strategic laboratory leader with a passion for driving operational excellence and client success, we would like to hear from you. Apply now to find out more!

Keyword Summary: Site Lead, Laboratory Services, Team Leadership, Client Account Management, OneSource, Service Delivery, KPIs & SLAs, Technical Service, Laboratory Operations, Engineering Management, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Compliance, Continuous Improvement, Southeast, Surrey, Reading, London, Slough, Berkshire, VRS9183PC

My client is looking for a highly capable Lab Operations Manager to join their cancer research biotech in Southampton. They have significant VC funding to help drive the development of their unique screening platform. This is a rare opportunity to join a world-class team and support the vital work of drug discovery scientists.

This is how you will spend your time

• Supporting C-Suite and senior leaders in the business
• Writing and reviewing the health and safety policy
• Building and managing the health and safety hub intranet
• Chairing the Biosafety and GMO focus group
• Ensuring relevant laboratory processes are compliant
• Overseeing implementation and use of biosafety and biosecurity controls
• Reviewing all laboratory COSHH assessments and GMO risk assessments
• Ensuring that all new laboratory equipment is installed and operated correctly
• Arranging the fire risk assessment

If you have these skills, we are excited to speak with you

• Relevant experience at a biotech or pharma company
• Laboratory H&S and HSE risk assessment
• COSHH and leadership experience
• Exceptional admin skills in an operational capacity
• Experience working in containment level 2 laboratories
• Shipments of biological and chemical samples
• Understanding of border controls and customs
• BSc in life sciences (chemistry, biology)
• MS Office

Strong technical skills aside, you will be able to clearly communicate strategy to scientists and external partners. You will take pride in your work and be both adaptable and dependable.

Interested in finding out more?

The current job holder is leaving in December, so priority will be given to applicants who can join in 2025.

This is a mid-senior position, and you’ll get up to £50,000 + 10% performance bonus, 25 days holiday, 7% pension and life assurance. There is also relocation support if you're located elsewhere in the UK.

I am happy to speak about this opportunity by phone ( ), email ( ) or here on LinkedIn.

We carefully consider applicants and will get back to everyone who hits at least 70% of the job role specification.

• Oversee daily operations of multiple remote laboratory sites, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards and quality management systems.
• Manage laboratory budgets, including forecasting, resource allocation, and cost control.
• Oversee equipment calibration, validation, and maintenance programs.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
• Lead and mentor laboratory staff, providing training, performance feedback, and support.
• Investigate deviations, implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to support new assay development and implementation.
• Implement and optimize Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within remote teams.

• Master's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in laboratory operations management, with a significant portion in a senior role.
• Proven experience with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 17025, GLP).
• Strong understanding of laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and analytical techniques.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with LIMS and other laboratory software.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in remote team management.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance within the relevant industry (e.g., pharmaceutical, clinical).

• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive cleaning protocols and schedules for all laboratory areas, including BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments.
• Manage, train, and supervise a team of cleaning technicians, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as internal quality standards.
• Source, procure, and manage inventory of cleaning supplies, equipment, and chemicals, ensuring cost-effectiveness and safety.
• Develop and deliver training programs for staff on proper cleaning techniques, chemical handling, waste disposal, and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with laboratory managers and safety officers to identify and address specific cleaning needs and potential contamination risks.
• Investigate and resolve any cleaning-related issues or complaints promptly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate records of cleaning activities, staff training, inventory, and incident reports.
• Implement and monitor pest control measures in coordination with external service providers.
• Continuously evaluate and improve cleaning processes and technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage the budget for the cleaning operations department, ensuring adherence to financial targets.
• Ensure the proper handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials generated by cleaning activities.

• Proven experience in managing cleaning operations, preferably within a laboratory, healthcare, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Strong knowledge of cleaning standards, hygiene protocols, and relevant health and safety legislation (e.g., COSHH).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities, with a systematic approach to problem-solving.
• Proficiency in inventory management and procurement processes.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective training programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to liaise effectively with various stakeholders.
• Experience with specialised cleaning equipment and techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and working in controlled environments is a significant advantage.
• A meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.