Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national Life Sciences service dedicated to turning drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs. We accelerate the development of science, and where there are areas of unmet patient need, we stimulate innovation. By transforming drug discovery, we can improve patient lives, increase the impact of the UK Life Sciences sector, and create a healthier society and economy. Our interventions work. Since we started, we have helped over 300 companies raise over £1bn of R&D investment. We seek passionate individuals who are eager to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the field of drug discovery. Together, we can unlock new therapies, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you are ready to make an impact, we invite you to be part of our journey. The values of the Catapult are: Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence. Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other. Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other. Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work. Role purpose: The Discovery Operations Manager will proactively manage the operational and logistical elements at a portfolio level, of delivery of our complex and dynamic project portfolio. The individual will work closely with both internal stakeholders (technical lead and resource holders) and external suppliers to develop, map and co-ordinate the many activities that are required to deliver the portfolio. Critically, they will identify barriers to portfolio delivery and develop solutions that enable us to achieve delivery within quality, time and budget metrics. This role will suit an individual experienced in the management of logistics, planning and problem-solving within an operational delivery environment, within the life sciences sector, who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced setting. Attention to detail, a collaborative mindset and a solution-orientated approach to address operational challenges will be essential. Working closely with a range of MDC colleagues and external suppliers, they will make a significant contribution to delivery of the MDC Discovery project portfolio. Main duties and responsibilities: Working with colleagues in the Discovery Operations function, develop and manage a comprehensive, integrated plan for the Discovery team’s project portfolio, detailing timelines, resource requirements, and interdependencies to ensure successful delivery against annual objectives and commercial targets. Ensure all plans align with MDC governance frameworks and licensing obligations. Adapt plans in response to evolving priorities and changing needs and circumstances ensuring that there is effective consultation and communication with both internal and external stakeholders. Model and integrate emerging project opportunities into the portfolio plan, identifying and communicating where action is required to address resource constraints or other operational barriers. In consultation with Resource Holders, develop and maintain detailed portfolio-level resource plans that meet the overall scope of work within budgetary limitations and time constraints. Work closely with multiple internal and external stakeholders, leading activities to ensure that the project portfolio is delivered to quality time and budget. Coordinate cross-functional activities acting as a key liaison between internal teams to drive alignment and timely execution. For individual projects in the portfolio, work closely with Technical Lead to ensure that high-quality and consistent project plans are developed and delivered to quality, time and budget. Proactively identify operational risks and issues and work with stakeholder in Discovery and other MDC functions to develop and manage mitigation strategies. Deliver timely and consistent reporting of data to enable tracking and communication of delivery against milestones and key performance indicators KPIs. Lead and direct the management of materials from identification of requirements through to managing stock levels and safe disposal; develop and implement tactical plans to minimise wastage of materials, with a particular focus on time-sensitive resources, and realise cost-saving opportunities. Create and manage a system to track and optimise the use of equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal downtime. Define, implement, and continuously improve the operational quality framework to ensure consistency, compliance, and a “right first time” approach to project deliverables. Monitor and analyse quality trends, lead investigations into deviations, conduct root cause analyses, and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Champion the implementation and adherence to 6S and lean principles within laboratory operations, fostering a culture of safety, organisation, and continuous improvement to enhance productivity and reduce waste. Line manage and/or mentor and support junior members of the Discovery Operations team, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. Experience, skills & competencies: Experience and a track record of managing delivery in a Logistics/ Planning role, in the life sciences sector. Experience of working in a team environment to ensure timely and effective delivery of a portfolio of interdependent projects or activities. Solution orientated, removing barriers to ensure company success with a calm and level-headed approach. Excellent communication and organisation skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask along with good analytical and reasoning skills. Ability to juggle multiple tasks within the constraints of timelines and budgets and maintaining accuracy. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing the uncertainty inherent in an advanced innovation programme. Excellent IT skills, to include MS Word, MS Project, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel. Excellent attention to detail whilst retaining the ability to see the ‘bigger picture’. Excellent organisational skills. Experience of reporting of progress against plans and budgets. Collaborative working style, able to work well independently and in a team environment. Enthusiastic, proactive, self-confident, professional and adaptable. Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills aligned with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with peers, senior managers, and project team members. Experience working in the drug discovery sector would be an advantage. Closing date: Sunday 28th September 2025