Lead, Sample Dispatch Operations (12-Month)

Avantor; Papworth St. Agnes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a Sample Dispatch Team Lead on a 12-month fixed-term contract in Cambridge. You will lead day-to-day operational delivery of Sample Dispatch services within a complex research environment, ensuring compliance, continuity, and service excellence while guiding a skilled technician team and coordinating with customers and stakeholders.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory awareness, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• Previous people management experience within a Sample Dispatch, logistics, laboratory support, or similar operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and collaborative approach.
• Experience with operational reporting, data analysis, and KPI management.
• High attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Sample Dispatch services across the Cambridge sites, including the Discovery Centre and Anne McLaren Building.
• Directly manage and develop a team, including resource planning, performance management, training, and business continuity.
• Coordinate and prioritize daily operational activities to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Act as the primary point of contact and escalation for Sample Dispatch-related queries and issues.
• Provide operational cover when required and serve as the subject matter expert for Sample Dispatch activities.
• Maintain and update operational documentation, including work instructions, risk assessments, SOPs, and training records.
• Produce and manage operational reports, dashboards, and KPI metrics.
• Prepare and present monthly and quarterly service review materials.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles.
• Support audit readiness and participate in regulatory inspections, health and safety audits, and Gemba walks.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to resolve issues and drive innovation.
• Ensure the compliant handling, packaging, and shipment of materials with special requirements, including human biological samples, controlled substances, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials, in accordance with applicable national and international regulations.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, quality, and compliance.

Skills

People management

Sample Dispatch

Logistics operations

Regulatory/compliance

Team coaching

Stakeholder management

Operational reporting

Lean continuous improvement

Job description

Avantor is seeking a Sample Dispatch Team Lead on a 12-month fixed-term contract in Cambridge. You will lead day-to-day operational delivery of Sample Dispatch services within a complex research environment, ensuring compliance, continuity, and service excellence while guiding a skilled technician team and coordinating with customers and stakeholders.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory awareness, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.