Laboratory Program Manager

VRS-UK; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

VRS-UK is seeking an experienced Laboratory Program Manager to lead and oversee laboratory support operations within an R&D environment. You will drive performance and ensure services run efficiently and in compliance with GxP standards.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff, oversee equipment maintenance and budgets, and build governance, reporting, and continuous improvement across lab operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of laboratory operations and project management in a pharmaceutical or Life Sciences environment.
• Strong knowledge of QA, compliance, GxP, and health & safety standards.
• Demonstrable experience in scientific asset management and/or vendor/supplier management.
• Proven line management experience, including staffing, training, and performance development.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the day-to-day delivery of laboratory services, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with regulatory standards (GxP).
• Leading and developing a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Managing laboratory equipment maintenance, budgets, and vendor relationships.
• Acting as the main point of contact for stakeholders, providing governance, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Driving efficiency and cost‑saving opportunities across laboratory operations.

Skills

Lab operations

Project management

GxP compliance

QA & health & safety

Vendor management

Staff leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Our client is global organisation that offers a range of services to laboratories with the aim of reducing lab inefficiencies and maximising lab asset utilisation.

We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Program Manager to lead and oversee laboratory support operations within an R&D environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a key leadership role, ensuring that laboratory services run smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with industry standards.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a new challenge within a successful organisation. You will be rewarded with a competitive salary and excellent career progression opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the day-to-day delivery of laboratory services, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with regulatory standards (GxP).
• Leading and developing a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Managing laboratory equipment maintenance, budgets, and vendor relationships.
• Acting as the main point of contact for stakeholders, providing governance, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Driving efficiency and cost‑saving opportunities across laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of laboratory operations and project management in a pharmaceutical or Life Sciences environment.
• Strong knowledge and experience of QA, compliance, GxP, and health & safety standards.
• Demonstrable experience in scientific asset management and/or vendor/supplier management.
• Proven line management experience, including staffing, training, and performance development.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication skills and client facing.