Are you ready to lead innovation and operational excellence in a world-class R&D environment? GSK is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Lab Operations to empower our scientists and drive the future of vaccine research in Belgium.
Job Purpose
The Vaccines RD Head of Lab Operations, Belgium will translate R&D Strategy into execution by overseeing laboratory operations related activities to allow Scientists to focus on science driving advancement of the R&D portfolio.
This role is accountable to ensure the Lab Operations organization is designed and resourced to ensure effective, efficient, and reliable support to the scientific operations of the Vaccines R&D organization based in Belgium. With an eye to maximizing scientific productivity, the role will champion continuous improvement initiatives and technology that will allow our science to reach new heights, driving better project and pipeline performance while ensuring safety of lab personnel.
Your Responsibilities
Leadership of Lab Operations team
Overall accountable for lab operations service delivery per KPI targets and problem / issue resolution concerning laboratory operations
Drives employee engagement within the Belgium Lab Operations team with emphasis on clear responsibilities & expectations, people development, enriching roles, effective recognition, and open & honest conversations.
Accountable for Scientific Lab Operations
Member of the R&D Site Leadership Team
Ensure Good Scientific Practices and fit for purpose Quality System are embedded within the in-scope Belgium area labs (including quality standards, research practices, documentation, etc.) and labs are designed and setup for optimized use.
Implements and oversees Lab Equipment Lifecyle Management (LCM) program ensuring effective support/coordination between Lab Operations, internal service partners (e.g. EHS, Facilities & Engineering, Procurement, Tech, Quality), and external service providers.
Executive oversight of FSPs / lab service providers ensuring external service provider support for General Lab Service (GLS), Technical Lab Services (TLS), and Lab Instrument Services (LIS) in collaboration with internal service partners (R&D Engineering Services)
Support to Scientists to execute on their accountabilities to ensure EHS lab compliance
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) demand collection for annual 3-year plan, individual Project Investment Proposals (PIPs), and execution oversight
Operating Expense (OPEX) planning and spending oversight
Ensure preparation & coordination of audits
Oversee Management Monitoring planning and execution concerning Lab Operations and supported business areas
Advocate for Continuous Improvement
Drives innovation in GSK by keeping pulse on the market and emerging technologies - bring industry best practices to the Lab Ops organization with a simplification mindset
Serve as Global Business Owner / Subject Matter Expert for key lab operations processes/systems
Propose/lead improvement opportunities in the Vaccines-Pharma R&D laboratories
Be an ambassador of the ADP methodology and tools to make sure that the lean culture is lived
Additional information
Reporting line: Head Vaccines Lab Operations
Number of positions available: 1
People management : direct reports 5 FTEs / indirect reports 60 FTEs and 40 Contingent Workers
Operating Budget Accountability : ~ € 20.0M
Business travel requirements: limited
Primary location: Rixensart, Belgium
Secondary location: /
Relocation package provided : no
Application closing date: Sunday November 23rd 2025, EOD CET
Basic Qualifications
We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:
Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Business
Minimum 10 years of proven experience in lab / business operations or project management in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Understanding of scientific lab activities (in vivo and in vitro assays) is a key requirement for this role
Leadership, planning, and organizational skills, with a track record of managing complex operations and diverse teams
Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving abilities
Customer orientation and a passion for driving operational excellence in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
Preferred Qualifications
If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:
Minimum Master’s degree in Science, Engineering or Business
MBA, PMP, Lean-Six Sigma Green or Black belt certification
In depth knowledge of scientific processes, process improvement methodologies, higher-level business acumen
Previous experience in the field of immunology or vaccinology
Customer-orientation - ability to actively listen to internal customers and pro-actively propose pragmatic solutions based on their needs
A leader – ability to manage people; motivates the Lab Operations team and the overall operations network to exceed customer expectations
Analytical and problem solving (trouble shooting) skills - creative approach to problem solving, results oriented, and the ability to challenge the status quo
Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiation, and communications skills – ability to convince
Proven planning & organizational skills; ensure the Lab Operations team is delivering on time and quality service levels
Effective time management, ability to clearly identify priorities and manage multiple completing priorities
Strong networking capabilities
Ready to lead the future of vaccine research? Apply now and help us deliver better health, faster to stay Ahead of Disease Together!
Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.
When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.
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If you have a disability and require assistance during the course of the selection process, you will have the opportunity to let us know what specific assistance you require in order to make suitable arrangements.
Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.
People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.
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