The Opportunity

Sample Dispatch Team Lead
Stevenage, UK (Full-Time, On-Site)

About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a key player in the life sciences sector, offering an excellent opportunity for a Sample Dispatch Team Lead to join a dynamic scientific operations environment in Stevenage.

This is a leadership role focused on team management, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement within sample dispatch services. You will play a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of services, achieving KPIs, and supporting future growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for your birthday
• Opportunity to contribute to a growing, high-impact life sciences service

The Role
As Sample Dispatch Team Lead, you will oversee daily operations of the sample dispatch team, ensuring high-quality, compliant service delivery while driving performance, development, and process improvements.

You will act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, provide leadership to your team, and play an important role in shaping and expanding dispatch services.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage, coach, and develop direct reports, including performance management and development planning
• Set clear expectations and provide regular, constructive feedback
• Support team engagement, growth, and capability building

Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead day-to-day sample dispatch operations, managing workload, priorities, and task execution
• Ensure delivery of agreed Scope of Work and achievement of monthly KPIs
• Provide first-line operational support and subject matter expertise

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all activities comply with GLP, GMP, health & safety, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain a safe, secure, and compliant working environment
• Support audits, inspections, and GEMBA walks
• Oversee handling of regulated materials (e.g. dangerous goods, controlled substances)

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation initiatives
• Analyse operational data, trends, and KPIs to identify opportunities
• Prepare and maintain operational reports, dashboards, and governance materials
• Lead or contribute to improvement projects

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• Act as main point of contact for sample dispatch queries and escalations
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and partners
• Gather and act on customer feedback to improve service delivery
• Collaborate with procurement and stakeholders to identify cost efficiencies

Documentation & Systems

• Maintain compliant documentation including SOPs, risk assessments, and training records
• Ensure accurate use of systems for tracking and reporting
• Support audit readiness and quality frameworks

Specialist Support

• Act as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA), supporting shipping teams with regulatory guidance and issue resolution

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in sample management, logistics, or dispatch operations within a regulated environment
• Strong leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of GMP in a scientific environment
• Solid knowledge of service KPIs, metrics, and performance tracking
• Experience with LIMS or similar systems and operational reporting
• Extensive knowledge of IATA and Known Consignor regulations
• Up-to-date training in IATA, ADR, and IMDG

Desirable

• DGSA qualified or working towards
• Experience within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry
• Knowledge of SHE requirements and managerial responsibilities
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies

What We’re Looking For

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence

Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a visible leadership role within a growing life sciences service, where you can directly influence team performance, operational excellence, and future service development.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

EEO Statement: We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

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