Title: Head of Operations – Global Health & Life Sciences | UK-based | £100,000-£130,000
We are seeking a Head of Operations to lead and optimise global operational strategy for a fast-growing health and life sciences organisation. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing operations across project management, resource allocation, IT, compliance, vendor management, financial oversight, and sustainability initiatives.
About the Role:
Reporting to a founding partner, this role ensures scalable systems, governance, and processes are in place to drive operational excellence, cross-office alignment, and high-quality client delivery. You will provide senior leadership across key functions, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, enabling data-driven decisions, and fostering a high-performing, collaborative
culture.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and execute a clear operational vision aligned with organisational growth priorities.
* Lead global operations strategy, translating it into actionable plans with measurable KPIs.
* Oversee project delivery frameworks, resource planning, capacity management, and team performance.
* Ensure financial oversight of operations, including budgets, cost control, and commercial sustainability.
* Maintain compliance across regulatory, ethical, and IT/security domains (GDPR, AE reporting, InfoSec, AI governance).
* Manage strategic vendor relationships, procurement, and contract negotiations.
* Drive IT, AI, and information security strategy to support global operations.
* Lead sustainability, CSR, and DE&I initiatives across teams and vendor ecosystem.
* Build, coach, and develop a high-performing Operations team.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Extensive experience leading complex, multi-office operations in pharma/health research or regulated professional services.
* Strong track record implementing compliance frameworks, quality systems, and operational governance.
* Expertise in vendor management, procurement, and contract negotiation.
* Proven financial stewardship including budgets, P&L oversight, and resource allocation.
* Experience leading IT/MSP strategy and global operational technology implementations.
* History of driving process transformation to enhance efficiency, scalability, and performance.
Skills & Competencies:
* Strategic execution with measurable business impact.
* Data-driven decision-making and performance optimisation.
* Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
* Deep understanding of operational risk, change management, and portfolio management.
* Knowledge of sustainability, CSR strategy, and responsible procurement.