Manager R&D Labs (CNAP)

Convatec; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Convatec's Oxford CNAP laboratory leadership role oversees the integration and governance of advanced platform technologies leveraging nitric oxide for therapeutic applications. You will manage a multidisciplinary team, ensure GMP and regulatory compliance, and steer R&D programmes to deliver high-impact outcomes.

The role requires strategic planning, strong communication, and a track record of building capability while partnering with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Doctorate or advanced degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Extensive proficiency in managing advanced lab equipment, platforms, and high-throughput systems.
• Robust regulatory knowledge in MedTech/Pharma, with global framework experience (FDA, ISO, GMP).
• Demonstrated leadership of scientific/technical teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong problem-solving with data-driven solutions for performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CTEC-Oxford laboratory and admin team, building capability and driving high performance.
• Deliver CNAP R&D programmes, including method development, validation, and platform initiatives.
• Strengthen lab governance, owning CSV and QMS alignment with GMP and regulatory expectations.
• Drive lab transformation, equipment fit-out, and readiness for GMP/Research-Only operations.
• Manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets, ensuring compliant and strategic investment in lab capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Lab management

Regulatory knowledge

GMP & QMS

CSV integration

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Team-building

Education

Doctorate in Biochemistry

Advanced degree in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Analytical platforms

High-throughput systems

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Job description

Position Overview

This pivotal role provides management for the Convatec-Oxford laboratory and team, which are the centre of excellence for Convatec's Next Generation Adaptive Platform technologies that leverage nitric oxide for therapeutic applications. Overseeing the implementation, optimisation, and ongoing governance of technical processes, systems and equipment to ensure operational excellence and full regulatory compliance to enable effective completion of R&D projects at the site. The position leads a multidisciplinary team—including a technician, junior scientists, senior scientists, and a principal scientist—setting clear prioritisation, building capability, and fostering a positive team and high-performance culture. A key requirement of the role is developing effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Success in this role requires strong leadership presence, deep technical expertise, and exceptional communication and influencing skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the CTEC-Oxford laboratory and administrative team, building capability, driving high performance, and ensuring alignment with Convatec’s scientific and operational priorities.
• Deliver CNAP R&D programmes, overseeing method development, validation, indication-expansion studies, and next-generation platform initiatives.
• Strengthen laboratory compliance and governance, owning CSV and QMS integration to ensure full alignment with GMP, GDC QMS, CSV, and regulatory expectations.
• Drive laboratory transformation and expansion, including facility transition to CTEC standards, lab fit-out, equipment acquisition, and readiness for GMP and Research-Only operations.
• Manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets, ensuring efficient, compliant, and strategically aligned investment in laboratory capability and infrastructure.

Skills & Experience

• Applies strong scientific and technical judgement to guide complex programmes and shape the lab capability strategy.
• Translates strategic goals into clear plans with measurable outcomes.
• Drives high-quality execution, ensuring timelines, compliance, and performance standards are consistently met.
• Holds self and team accountable for delivering impactful results.
• Champions new ideas and technologies that enhance laboratory capability and efficiency.
• Uses structured problem-solving to optimise processes and elevate scientific output.
• Demonstrates strong learning agility and curiosity
• Builds and leads a high-performing, multidisciplinary team and drives high-performing team principles
• Fosters collaboration and promotes a culture of growth, authenticity and inclusion.
• Coaches, recruits and develops people to meet both their career goals and the organisation’s goal
• Works effectively across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, ITQA, and external partners.
• Communicates with clarity and influence to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.
• Demonstrates deep listening skills
• Demonstrates strong understanding of GMP, QMS, CSV, and regulatory expectations.
• Leads quality-driven behaviours and ensures robust documentation and audit readiness.
• Acts with transparency, integrity, accountability, and sound judgement. Conveys an appropriate sense of urgency in delivering on the priorities for the CNAP programme and gets things done
• Role-models Convatec’s values, leadership behaviours and commitment to doing what’s right.

Qualifications/Education

• Doctorate (or advanced degree) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with deep expertise in complex laboratory systems and scientific operations.
• Extensive technical proficiency in managing, optimising, and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, analytical platforms, and high-throughput systems.
• Robust regulatory knowledge within MedTech and/or Pharma, with proven ability to navigate global regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA, ISO, GMP) and maintain compliance.
• Demonstrated team leadership, including managing, and developing high-performing scientific or technical teams in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.
• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities, with a track record of implementing innovative, data-driven solutions that improve system performance and operational efficiency.

Team

• 8 direct reports

Working Conditions

• Full-time on-site role (office plus laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals, reagents and solvents, electronic equipment, some manual handling).

A formal recruitment process is required for all our opportunities prior to any offer of employment. This will include an interview confirmed by an official Convatec email address.
If you receive a suspicious approach over social media, text message, email or phone call about recruitment at Convatec, do not disclose any personal information or pay any fees whatsoever. If you’re unsure, please contact us at [e-mail].

Equal opportunities

Convatec provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Convatec is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Convatec employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Convatec. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

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About Convatec

Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch:

Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With over 10,000 colleagues, we provide products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention, treatment for hard-to-heal wounds, at-risk skin and ulcerated tissue to supporting debilitating conditions, improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec's revenues in 2025 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more please visit: http://www.convatecgroup.com.