Sample Dispatch Team Lead

Avantor, Inc.; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership opportunity

Stakeholder exposure

Collaborative team culture

Measurable impact through improvement

Job summary

Avantor is seeking an experienced Sample Dispatch Team Lead to join our Cambridge team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will lead day-to-day operational delivery of Sample Dispatch services across campus sites, ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement while developing a high-performing team.

The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, data analysis and KPI reporting, with hands-on involvement in risk assessments, SOPs, and audit

Qualifications

• Previous people management experience in Sample Dispatch, logistics or lab support.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer service orientation.
• Experience with operational reporting, data analysis and KPI management.
• High attention to detail and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Sample Dispatch services across the Cambridge sites, including resource planning and team development.
• Coordinate and prioritize daily operational activities to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Sample Dispatch queries and issues.
• Provide operational cover and serve as SME for Sample Dispatch activities.
• Maintain and update SOPs, risk assessments and training records; manage reports and KPIs.

Skills

People management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

KPI management

Communication

Continuous improvement

Job description

We are currently seeking an experienced Sample Dispatch Team Lead to join our team in Cambridge on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the day-to-day operational delivery of Sample Dispatch services within a complex research environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and continuous improvement, while leading a team of skilled technicians and working closely with customers and stakeholders.

Key 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.

Opportunities & Benefits

• Opportunity to lead a critical operational service within a dynamic scientific environment.
• Exposure to a wide range of stakeholders and strategic projects.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• The chance to make a measurable impact through service excellence and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements

• 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.
• Proficiency with IT systems and data management tools.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of shipping regulations and hazardous materials handling.
• Up-to-date IATA, ADR, and IMDG certifications or training.
• Experience working within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, research, or laboratory environments.
• Proven track record in coordinating shipments of chemical and biological materials into the United States, ensuring full compliance with USDA, FDA, CDC, F&W and other applicable regulatory and import control requirements.
• Experience leading process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.