Head of Scientific Operations

The BioGrad Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading bio-sciences firm in Liverpool is seeking a strategic leader to oversee all scientific activities. The role involves developing and implementing scientific strategies, managing client relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has extensive leadership experience in commercial environments, along with strong skills in communication and strategy. This position is maternity leave cover for 10-12 months.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

House Loan Scheme

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Package

Enhanced holiday package after 5 years

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks (MHRA, ISO, UKAS, HTA, GDPR).
• Extensive leadership and management experience in a commercial and regulated environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing functional and scientific strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for all scientific activities.
• Develop and implement the organisation’s scientific strategy.
• Lead in a collaborative and influential style.

Skills

Leadership and management skills

Commercial acumen

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Organizational and planning skills

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific field

Job description

Overview

The post holder provides strategic oversight and leadership for all scientific activities within BioGrad Limited, ensuring that all operations comply with relevant regulatory and quality standards. They are responsible for developing and implementing the organisation’s scientific strategy, while providing high-level strategic input to the senior leadership team. They hold commercial oversight for BioGrad’s scientific services, building and maintaining strategic relationships with key business clients and ensuring that scientific delivery aligns with broader commercial objectives. They act as a senior leader and functional manager, with the authority to delegate responsibilities and drive performance across multidisciplinary teams.

Biobank/Laboratory

Reports to

CEO

Location & Hours

35 hours, 5 days per week — Liverpool

Manages

Scientific functions including scientific staff

Contract

Maternity Leave Cover (10-12 months)

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership & Stakeholder management: act as an ambassador, participate in key events, communicate with sales account managers, and develop relationships with targeted clients.
• Formulate and supervise the overall scientific strategy including Quality Control, Diagnostics, R&D, Manufacturing, and Biobanking; develop the scientific infrastructure and logistics to fulfil this strategy.
• Identify, escalate, and ensure resolution of operational, quality, or financial concerns; oversee all scientific functions and provide professional leadership for all scientists.
• Lead in a collaborative and influential style to achieve effective and efficient delivery of day-to-day operational services; line manage scientific staff; oversee recruitment in line with policies.
• May grant data and system access to employees under their care; oversee development processes to advance the company’s pipeline programs toward strategy milestones.
• Set priorities, allocate resources, and define scientific outcomes to achieve the company’s strategic goals; supervise collaborations and contracts with external stakeholders.
• Oversee and supervise the company’s IP portfolio; maintain networks with third parties and other BioGrad departments; provide operational reports and participate in senior leadership meetings.
• Collaborate with specialist staff and other departments to provide high-quality, client-focused services; ensure contingency plans exist and are managed.
• Provide input on operational strategy and work with the CEO, directors, and board to improve operational efficiency; responsibility for the overall operation and administration of scientific activities.
• Commercial Oversight & Client Relations: develop and maintain strategic relationships with key business clients; act as primary contact for commercial partners; identify new business opportunities and provide scientific input for proposals and tenders; monitor commercial performance and report on client satisfaction and market trends; negotiate and manage contracts with external clients.
• Laboratory Operations: oversee Biobank, R&D, and manufacturing services; ensure the quality and accuracy of laboratory results; authorise procedures and result review; liaise with departments on result releases and impact of non-conformities on safety/quality; coordinate technical setup and procurement; resolve client issues and non-conformances; assess opportunities for internal role moves at contract end.
• Quality Management & Health and Safety: navigate regulatory landscape, manage relationships with regulatory bodies, ensure service quality, pursue accreditations and timely quality applications, address complaints, champion the quality management system, manage risks, ensure compliance with standards, and lead audits.
• Project Management: direct planning and implementation of scientific projects in line with strategy; set realistic timelines and report to senior management.
• Health and Safety: ensure facilities and operations meet regulatory requirements; oversee construction/design of facilities where needed; maintain procedures for working with Category 2 & 3 materials and hazardous substances; maintain a safe working environment in line with GLP and regulations.
• General: mentor staff, stay updated with technical knowledge, maintain client communications, and chair team meetings.

Qualifications, Training & Knowledge

• PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biomedical sciences, biology, medicine) – Essential
• Strong understanding of scientific principles underpinning BioGrad’s strategy – Essential
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks (MHRA, ISO, UKAS, HTA, GDPR) – Essential
• Knowledge of commercial principles, business development and contract management – Essential
• Evidence of operational and strategic management experience – Essential

Experience

• Extensive leadership and management experience in a commercial and regulated environment – Essential
• Proven track record of advancing and delivering scientific projects from concept to completion – Essential
• Proven track record of laboratory handling and analysis of human biological samples (cell culture, molecular, cell separation techniques) – Essential
• Experience of laboratory management (diagnostics, biobank, or manufacturing) – Essential
• Experience in managing relationships with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies – Essential
• Experience in commercial client relationship management and contract negotiation – Essential
• Experience in developing and implementing functional and scientific strategies – Essential
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency and lead organisational change – Essential

Skills & Behaviours

• Excellent leadership and people management skills; ability to inspire, direct, and delegate – Essential
• Strong commercial acumen; identify and capitalise on business opportunities – Essential
• Ability to build and maintain long-term strategic client relationships – Essential
• High-level written and verbal communication and negotiation skills – Essential
• Exceptional planning, organisational, and time management skills – Essential
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with independent decision-making – Essential
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands – Essential
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement – Essential

Company Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Benefits Available after 1 year’s Service
• House Loan Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Package
• Enhanced Sickness and Absence Pay
• Enhanced holiday package after 5 years and 10 years’ service