Site Service Lead – Oxford
Full‑time | Operational Leadership | Scientific Environment
Are you an experienced laboratory operations professional ready to step into a leadership role? We are seeking a Site Service Lead to oversee daily laboratory activities, support scientific teams across multiple lines of business, and ensure a safe, efficient, and well‑coordinated working environment.
This position plays a vital role in maintaining operational excellence and enabling high‑quality scientific output. If you are highly organised, safety‑focused, and passionate about supporting laboratory teams, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
About the Role
As the Site Service Lead, you will take ownership of day‑to‑day activities across our client`s Oxford site, ensuring smooth operations, strong communication, and consistent service delivery. You will supervise lab support staff, manage operational workflows, and maintain high compliance standards while partnering closely with scientific and operational stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Oversight
Supervise laboratory assistants and operational personnel, providing daily guidance, coaching, and performance support.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and productive team culture focused on quality and continuous improvement.
Act as the central point of contact between lab support teams and full‑time employees across business lines.
2. Safety & Compliance
Enforce strict adherence to EH&S policies and all approved SOPs.
Coordinate mandatory safety training and maintain accurate records of staff certifications.
3. Waste Management & Decontamination
Oversee compliant waste management following biosafety and decontamination protocols.
Schedule and supervise decontamination routines such as autoclaving, mycoplasma testing, and regular lab cleaning.
4. Inventory, Deliveries & Vendor Relations
Coordinate deliveries, receiving, and stocking of materials to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Maintain accurate inventory of supplies, equipment, and consumables.
Build strong vendor relationships and oversee instrument servicing, maintenance, and repairs.
5. Operational Efficiency & Service Quality
Implement, refine, and monitor laboratory and operational processes to improve workflow, safety, and service levels.
Respond proactively to requests from scientific teams and operations functions.
Track key performance indicators and produce operational reports for leadership.
6. General Maintenance Oversight
Establish and monitor schedules for routine equipment and facility maintenance.
Ensure safety equipment—including eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and safety showers—is inspected and compliant.
7. Training & Development
Identify skill gaps and coordinate appropriate training and certifications (e.g., First Aid, safety, compliance).
Support the professional development and onboarding of laboratory personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience
3–5+ years’ experience in laboratory operations or scientific support
Strong knowledge of EH&S, biosafety, and compliance standards
Experience with inventory systems, QMS platforms, and vendor coordination
Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
Why Join Us?
Play a key leadership role in shaping daily operations at a world‑class scientific site
Support innovative research by enabling smooth, safe, and efficient workflows
Work closely with multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative, high‑impact environment
Grow your operational leadership career with opportunities for development and advancement
Ready to Lead Operations at our client`s Oxford Site?
If you’re an organised, proactive, and safety‑minded professional with a passion for operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you.
#LI-Onsite
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
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