The Opportunity: Sample Dispatch Team Lead Stevenage, UK (Full-Time, On-Site)
About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a key player in the life sciences sector, offering an excellent opportunity for a Sample Dispatch Team Lead to join a dynamic scientific operations environment in Stevenage. This is a leadership role focused on team management, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement within sample dispatch services. You will play a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of services, achieving KPIs, and supporting future growth.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary
* Bonus scheme
* Pension scheme
* 25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for your birthday
* Opportunity to contribute to a growing, high-impact life sciences service
The Role
As Sample Dispatch Team Lead, you will oversee daily operations of the sample dispatch team, ensuring high‑quality, compliant service delivery while driving performance, development and process improvements. You will act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, provide leadership to your team, and play an important role in shaping and expanding dispatch services.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
* Manage, coach and develop direct reports, including performance management and development planning.
* Set clear expectations and provide regular, constructive feedback.
* Support team engagement, growth and capability building.
Operations & Service Delivery
* Lead day‑to‑day sample dispatch operations, managing workload, priorities and task execution.
* Ensure delivery of agreed Scope of Work and achievement of monthly KPIs.
* Provide first‑line operational support and subject‑matter expertise.
Compliance & Quality
* Ensure all activities comply with GLP, GMP, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.
* Maintain a safe, secure and compliant working environment.
* Support audits, inspections, and GEMBA walks.
* Oversee handling of regulated materials (e.g. dangerous goods, controlled substances).
Process Improvement & Reporting
* Drive continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.
* Analyse operational data, trends and KPIs to identify opportunities.
* Prepare and maintain operational reports, dashboards and governance materials.
* Lead or contribute to improvement projects.
Stakeholder & Customer Management
* Act as main point of contact for sample dispatch queries and escalations.
* Build strong relationships with internal teams, customers, suppliers and partners.
* Gather and act on customer feedback to improve service delivery.
* Collaborate with procurement and stakeholders to identify cost efficiencies.
Documentation & Systems
* Maintain compliant documentation including SOPs, risk assessments and training records.
* Ensure accurate use of systems for tracking and reporting.
* Support audit readiness and quality frameworks.
Specialist Support
* Act as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA), supporting shipping teams with regulatory guidance and issue resolution.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
* Proven experience in sample management, logistics or dispatch operations within a regulated environment.
* Strong leadership or supervisory experience.
* Strong understanding of GMP in a scientific environment.
* Solid knowledge of service KPIs, metrics and performance tracking.
* Experience with LIMS or similar systems and operational reporting.
* Extensive knowledge of IATA and Known Consignor regulations.
* Up‑to‑date training in IATA, ADR and IMDG.
Desirable
* DGSA qualified or working towards DGSA qualification.
* Experience within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
* Knowledge of SHE requirements and managerial responsibilities.
* Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies.
What We’re Looking For
* Strong leadership and people management skills.
* Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
* Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
* Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving.
* Customer‑focused with a commitment to service excellence.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a visible leadership role within a growing life sciences service, where you can directly influence team performance, operational excellence and future service development.
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.
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