Operations Manager

Inotiv, Inc.; Belton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing global contract research organisation in Belton seeks an experienced Operations Manager. You'll oversee operational performance while aligning with global goals, ensuring compliance with UK regulations. The role requires strong leadership in a highly regulated environment. Ideal candidates have a track record of operational success, team management, and strategic thinking. Competitive benefits and salary are offered, with significant opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days holiday

Pension and life assurance

Flexible benefits including healthcare

Employee wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of operational processes.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational performance of the Hillcrest site.
• Align local site operations with regional and global objectives.
• Drive operational efficiency and ensure compliance with UK legislation.

Skills

Operational leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Team management

Problem-solving

Communication

Job description

Operations Manager page is loaded## Operations Managerremote type: On-sitelocations: Belton, Leicestershire, UKtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: JR101074As a proactive and forward-thinking Operations Manager, you'll lead the end-to-end operational performance and continuous improvement of our Hillcrest site in Belton, Leicestershire.Reporting directly to the Operations Director – EMEA, you will play a critical role in aligning local site operations with regional and global business objectives. You’ll ensure the safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective delivery while upholding ethical standards and supporting a culture of scientific integrity.**The Opportunity**This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly specialised and regulated site operating under UK frameworks such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). You’ll manage a multidisciplinary team and oversee core operational functions—including production, maintenance & security—while driving innovation, performance, and continuous improvement.While prior experience in life sciences or research models and services (RMS) is an advantage, it is not essential. What matters most is that you’ve taken the time to understand the nature of the environment and bring strong leadership, operational know-how, and a commitment to quality, compliance, and performance in a highly regulated environment.**Key Responsibilities*** Own day-to-day operational leadership of the Hillcrest site.* Align site objectives with global business goals, ensuring consistency in delivery, performance, and standards.* Drive operational efficiency, output, safety, and cost-effectiveness through KPIs and performance frameworks.* Develop and empower cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.* Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), Ethical review and licensing processes via the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)* Partner with quality, veterinary, and compliance colleagues to uphold operational and scientific excellence.* Manage site-level financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.**About You**You are an experienced and hands-on operations leader who thrives in regulated or quality-focused environments. You bring a balance of strategic thinking and practical execution, with a strong track record of delivering results through empowered teams and well-run processes.* Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, complex, or regulated operational settings* Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of operational processes and how to translate strategic direction into day-to-day execution* Experienced in managing budgets, driving cost efficiency, and understanding the financial drivers of operational performance* Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build alignment across diverse teams* Previous experience in life sciences or animal research is an advantage, but not essential—you should be comfortable with, and have taken time to understand, the nature of the environment and the standards it requires* Familiarity with UK regulatory or compliance frameworks (e.g. Health & Safety, or biosecurity protocols) is beneficial; full training will be provided where needed**Location/Benefits:**This is a full-time role, based at our Hillcrest site in Belton, just outside of Loughborough.* Competitive salary* 33 days holiday (including public holidays)* Pension, life assurance, and income protection (after qualifying period)* Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, tech discounts, and retail savings* Employee wellbeing support via EAP, fitness and wellness platform, and mental health resources* Opportunities for progression and development within a growing international business**This role operates in a biosecurity environment, so candidates must not own pet rodents or rabbits, and must disclose if they own animals that feed on rodents (e.g. snakes, birds of prey).****A full UK driving licence is required due to limited public transport access****About Inotiv:**Inotiv is a growing global contract research organisation (CRO) supporting drug discovery and development. Our work contributes to scientific and medical advances that improve health and wellbeing worldwide. At every stage of the journey, our teams play a key role in delivering quality science and operational excellence.**Apply** now to join us:#LI-PH1*Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There’s an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual’s unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people’s lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.**Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities.**Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.*### Get In TouchIntroduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.We’re looking for people who will help us grow and support our shared purpose: to help our clients discover and develop life-changing therapies for people around the world. As a leading contract research organization (CRO), Inotiv supports discovery and nonclinical development through investigational new drug (IND) and beyond. By leveraging our deep expertise and scientific capabilities, we help you increase efficiency, improve data, and reduce the cost of taking new drugs to market. By providing critical research models and related services, we help researchers realize the full potential of their R&D projects, all while working together to build a healthier and safer world. We hope you consider our opportunities and a future with Inotiv!