Site Director

Spherical Search has recently partnered with a well-established Analytical Testing and CRO services organisation specialising in inhalation and nasal drug delivery. The company works with a broad range of pharmaceutical, biologics, and device organisations on a global scale.

We are currently seeking a Site Director.

The organisation is a leading provider of laboratory services within the inhalation industry, specialising in the development and testing of inhalable and nasal pharmaceutical products. The site collaborates closely with pharmaceutical clients to ensure product safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.

Primary Purpose Summary

The Site Director holds full accountability for delivering the Profit & Loss (P&L;) performance of the site, ensuring budget targets are achieved through efficient, compliant, and customer-focused operations.

The role provides leadership across all operational functions supporting the development and GMP testing of inhalation and nasal products for both external and internal clients. This includes laboratory teams, technical subject matter experts, quality assurance, facilities, logistics, training, and project management.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Site Director collaborates closely with Business Development, Finance, and peer Site Directors to align on strategic goals and share best practices across the organisation.

P&L; Ownership & Budget Delivery

• Own and deliver the site P&L;, ensuring revenue growth, cost control, and margin optimisation.
• Develop and execute operational plans aligned with budget targets and commercial forecasts.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, and service quality.

Project Delivery

• Accountable for the operational delivery of customer projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Ensure operational efficiency, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance across all functions.
• Establish effective structures, systems, and processes for resource allocation and workload balancing.
• Ensure effective deployment of capital and human resources to meet customer requirements within budget.
• Collaborate with project managers and customer-facing teams to ensure smooth execution and communication.

Quality Assurance & EHS

• Accountable for the Pharmaceutical Quality System and its effective implementation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Drive a strong quality and safety culture to support GMP service delivery.
• Accountable for site safety and emergency preparedness.

Technical Expertise & SME Management

• Lead and support technical SMEs to ensure strong scientific leadership and innovation.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve complex technical challenges.

Equipment, Facilities & Logistics

• Ensure site infrastructure, equipment, and utilities are maintained and fit for purpose.
• Oversee procurement, inventory management, and logistics.

Training & Competency

• Accountable for the training strategy for all operational staff.
• Support career development and succession planning.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop the Site Management Team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment across functions.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Senior operational leadership experience within pharmaceutical laboratory environments.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L; ownership experience.
• Excellent understanding of GMP regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams and complex projects.
• Degree in a scientific or technical discipline; advanced degree or MBA preferred.

Key Competencies

• Financial and commercial acumen
• Strategic and operational leadership
• Scientific and regulatory expertise
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• People development and decision-making
• Customer focus and service delivery