Business Unit Manager

Cpl Healthcare; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific services organization in Belfast is seeking an experienced Microbiology Business Unit Manager. You will be responsible for the performance and quality of the microbiology lab, oversee approximately 50 staff, and manage P&L. The ideal candidate should have experience in a regulated environment and the ability to lead effectively. This role offers a competitive salary, bonus, and a chance to shape the strategic direction of the business unit.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a microbiology or laboratory operation in a regulated environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with demonstrated P&L accountability.
• Solid working knowledge of ISO 17025 and quality-led laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for performance, safety and quality of the microbiology operation.
• Ownership of Business Unit P&L including cost control and efficiency improvement.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of approximately 50 FTE, driving engagement and retention.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Quality management

Continuous improvement

Customer focus

Job description

BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER - MICROBIOLOGY

BELFAST

£80,000 - £85,000 + 10% ANNUAL BONUS

The Client

Our client is a well‑established, international scientific services organisation operating within a highly regulated laboratory environment. With a strong reputation for quality, technical credibility and continuous investment, the business is seeking an experienced Microbiology Business Unit Manager to take ownership of a critical operation and play a key role within the site’s senior leadership team.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, you will hold full accountability for the safe, efficient and high‑quality operation of the microbiology function on site, including the main laboratory, pathogen laboratory, sample registration and media production. Leading approximately 50 FTE, you will drive performance across quality, cost, service and engagement while supporting wider business objectives and cross‑selling activity.

This role will suit an established laboratory leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is comfortable operating at both strategic and hands‑on level.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Full accountability for the performance, safety and quality of the microbiology operation, encompassing main laboratory, pathogen lab, sample registration and media production
• Ownership of the Business Unit P&L, including cost control, efficiency improvement, working capital and revenue performance
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 17025, internal Quality Management Systems and all Health & Safety requirements
• Lead and develop a multi‑disciplinary team of approximately 50 FTE, driving engagement, capability and retention
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement, optimising processes, capacity, cost and service delivery
• Ensure laboratory infrastructure, equipment and media production meet required operational and quality standards
• Act as a key interface between customers and operations, translating service and technical requirements into delivery
• Partner with the senior leadership team to support site strategy, cross‑functional collaboration and business growth

The Criteria

• Proven experience leading a microbiology or laboratory operation in a regulated environment
• Strong commercial awareness with demonstrated P&L accountability
• Solid working knowledge of ISO 17025 and quality‑led laboratory operations
• A confident and credible people leader with experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams
• Customer‑focused, with the ability to balance service, quality and efficiency
• Technical microbiology expertise beneficial but not essential

This is an excellent opportunity to step into a high‑impact leadership role within a globally connected scientific organisation, offering genuine autonomy, visibility and long‑term progression.

The position offers the chance to shape culture, performance and strategic direction within a critical business unit.

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