Head of Global Operations Healthcare Market Research

Albion Rye Associates; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing health organization in Glasgow seeks a Head of Operations to lead global operational strategy. This senior leadership role involves ensuring scalable systems and processes, driving operational excellence, and fostering a collaborative culture. Candidates should have extensive experience in multi-office operations, strong vendor management expertise, and a history of financial stewardship. The role offers a competitive salary between £100,000-£130,000 and focuses on compliance, project delivery, and team performance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading complex, multi-office operations in pharma / health research.
• Strong track record implementing compliance frameworks and quality systems.
• Expertise in vendor management and procurement.
• Proven financial stewardship including budgets and resource allocation.
• Experience leading IT strategy and global operational technology implementations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a clear operational vision aligned with growth priorities.
• Lead global operations strategy and oversee project delivery frameworks.
• Ensure financial oversight, including budgets and cost control.
• Manage strategic vendor relationships and procurement.
• Drive IT, AI, and information security strategy.

Skills

Strategic execution with measurable business impact

Data-driven decision-making and performance optimisation

Exceptional leadership

Collaboration and stakeholder management skills

Knowledge of sustainability and responsible procurement

Job description

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.