Lab Operations Manager

Your new company You'll be joining an exciting London-based biotech company developing next-generation therapeutics as they go into their next phase of growth. As one of the earliest operational hires, you will play a critical role in building the company's laboratory infrastructure while establishing the external CRO partnerships that will underpin future preclinical development activities. Your new role As the Lab & CRO Operations Manager, you will be responsible for establishing and managing laboratory operations while providing oversight of outsourced preclinical studies. This is a highly visible role combining laboratory management, vendor oversight, project coordination, and operational leadership. This is a permanent role. Working closely with the company's senior leadership. Key responsibilities include: Leading the buildout of a new laboratory, including equipment procurement, facility setup, safety processes, and operational readiness Managing laboratory operations, inventory, consumables, equipment maintenance, calibration, and documentation Establishing and maintaining SOPs and operational processes to support scientific activities Overseeing relationships with CRO partners supporting cell biology, in vivo, biodistribution, and toxicology studies Coordinating study timelines, data transfer, sample logistics, and reporting between CROs and internal teams Providing quality oversight to ensure studies meet protocol requirements, timelines, and data quality standards Managing budgets, procurement activities, vendor negotiations, and service contracts Supporting vendor selection and evaluation for new outsourcing partnerships Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety requirements and BSL-2 standards What you'll need to succeed A successful candidate will bring a combination of laboratory operations expertise, strong organisational skills, and experience managing external partners. MSc or PhD (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences discipline Experience managing molecular biology, cell biology, or translational research laboratories Proven experience supporting laboratory setup, expansion, or buildout activities Working knowledge of mammalian cell culture, molecular biology workflows, and laboratory operations Experience managing CROs, vendors, or outsourced research programmes Fluent Mandarin and English communication skills Strong project management and organisational abilities Experience managing procurement, budgeting, inventory, and vendor contracts Ability to work effectively across scientific, operational, and external stakeholder groups The following would be advantageous: Startup or early-stage biotech experience Experience managing preclinical studies through Chinese CROs Familiarity with gene therapy or gene editing programmes What you'll get in return You'll have the chance to make a significant impact on the company's operations and get a generous salary package. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. Keywords: Operations, Manager, Laboratory, Biotech, Pharmaceutical, CRO, Vendor, Procurement, Budgeting, Compliance, Biosafety, Cell, Biology, Molecular, Preclinical, Toxicology, Biodistribution, Inventory, Logistics, Shipping, Governance, Study, Quality, Oversight, Mandarin, Equipment, Maintenance, Contracts, Research, Programme