Facilities Operations Senior Specialist

Vertex; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Oxford is seeking a Facilities Operations Senior Specialist to oversee critical laboratory service projects. The role involves collaboration across departments and the implementation of compliance and continuous improvement strategies. Candidates should have a strong background in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors, proven project management skills, and excellent communication abilities. This is a full-time role requiring a degree in a relevant scientific field and experience in a laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to work on multiple critical projects.
• Excellent attention to detail and self-organization.
• Strong independent judgment and ability to seek improvements.
• Experience in leading projects and cross-functional teams.
• Good knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead facility operations for lab services projects.
• Manage compliance, projects, and budget allocations.
• Support continuous improvement strategies and KPI tracking.
• Develop partnerships across departments and ensure effective communication.
• Facilitate documentation processes and compliance auditing.

Skills

Communication

Self-organization

Project management

Customer service

Adaptability

Teamwork

Health and safety awareness

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Degree in science or related field

Tools

LEAN Sigma

Job description

Job Description

The Facilities Operations Senior Specialist will lead critical and potentially sensitive projects requiring a high degree of professionalism, collaboration, and urgency. This role is required to coordinate with all Operations staff leaders as well as other key personnel across Corporate Communications, HR, Finance and GIS to ensure the Operations operating model is aligned with internal and external customer needs are constantly delivering value. This role will directly support Operations strategic planning and execution, compliance, projects, budget management, and resource planning.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports in the management of laboratory services projects (implementation of new processes / systems).
• Support Lab Services, FM and EHSS teams with site projects (e.g. relating to instrumentation, lab furniture / services installations and refits) and compliance (H&S policy, insurance inspections, gas-system / power shutdowns etc.).
• Liaises with the Facilities Project Engineering Manager as part of lab works and CAPEX planning.
• Supports in the maturation of and leads continuous improvement strategy for Laboratory Services. Will optimise operational processes and support efficiency, robustness and quality
• Facilitate development, implementation and maintenance of KPI tracking in all laboratory services areas
• Facilitates the documentation of technical processes and justifications, ensuring that procedures in place and team are adequately trained.
• Facilitate the auditing and compliance of the laboratory services team.
• Facilitate Space Planning (using established Lean techniques).
• Facilitate maintenance of the laboratory services element of the BCP.
• Close communications with End-Users, procurement, internal contractors and vendors to manage lab instrument service contracts, repairs, parts orders, servicing.
• Deliver continuous improvement within remit eg. Efficiencies, cost savings, sustainability initiatives.
• Provides support for the wider Laboratory Services groups and cover for other Snr Technicians as required.
• Supports, via metrics, the development and management of Facilities departmental and capital budgets and allocated company facilities expense budget.
• Develops effective partnerships and work collaboratively with business partners (HR, Finance, Legal, Corp Comms).
• Stays informed of relevant local and federal codes and disseminates information.
• Other duties as directed by the Laboratory Services Manager.

Knowledge and Skills

The role requires a high degree of communication with various departments and internal customers, a flexible attitude as priorities change is important. The candidate will have previous knowledge of laboratory environments, laboratory H&S, compliance, and experience of working in a fast-paced laboratory setting. They will be / have :

• Proven ability to work at a fast pace on multiple projects of a critical nature.
• Attention to detail, excellent self-organization skills and ability to work under critical time pressures.
• Motivated and assertive attitude with excellent customer services in the Pharmaceutical or Biotech industry. Strong independent judgment to organize services, seek out and implement improvements and new initiatives.
• Experience in leading projects and coordinating staff, leading a cross functional project team / initiatives and supporting change.
• Proven ability to be adaptable, assist other functions and to achieve buy-in from other groups.
• Proven organizational skills with the capability to set and meet deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
• Team player with experience of strong communication skills with all levels including senior management.
• Good awareness of health, safety and environmental legislation relevant to the role.
• Confident with Microsoft Office applications and software systems.

Education and Experience

• Typically requires proven experience in a similar role or equivalent combined educations.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Relevant background in Pharmaceutical Laboratory Services or Biotech industry OR degree or similar level qualification, preferably in science or subject related to the role.
• Experienced in implementing and managing LEAN Sigma and CI technical elements within a laboratory setting.
• Experienced in strategy for planning and executing projects with a clear methodology (Prince).
• Experience in Scientific Services provision and Asset Management processes.
• Auditing experience.
• Experience of Work in an accredited or regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience of EHSS and compliance