Overview
Role: Operations Director, Clinical Trials
Location: Horsham (Multi-site UK role) – will also support Crawley and Bishop\'s Stortford with occasional travel. Work schedule: Mon–Fri; on-site leadership is essential; remote working up to one day per week may be available.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific: In Pharma Services, a leading CDMO, providing end-to-end capabilities across clinical trial logistics, packaging, distribution, and commercial manufacturing. The role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution to ensure patients gain timely access to therapies while upholding safety, quality, and compliance.
Role Purpose: Lead and scale UK Clinical Trials operations, overseeing Clinical Packaging, Commercial Packaging, Supply Chain, and Operations Support; drive end-to-end operational performance and continuous improvement; build resilient teams and strengthen customer partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Lead and ensure full compliance with GMP and cGMP principles across all operational areas
- Serve as a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), championing company values, culture, and strategy
- Set, manage, and deliver operational objectives aligned with site goals, customer commitments, and long-term business performance
- Review operational performance, report insights, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Foster a service-focused, collaborative, and accountable culture within Operations
- Partner effectively with Client Services, Quality, Engineering, EHS, Planning, HR, and Site Leadership to deliver business plans
- Own Sales & Operations Planning, ensuring effective labour and resource allocation
- Build strong customer relationships and support new project and line implementations
- Collaborate with the General Manager and SLT to strengthen and communicate the site value proposition
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams, ensuring robust succession planning and capability development
- Engage across sites, regions, and the wider division to deliver shared organisational objectives
- Ensure all work is performed safely, efficiently, and compliantly
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor\'s degree (BS/BA) in Business, Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
- 10+ years\' experience within pharmaceutical clinical and/or commercial supply environments
- 5+ years\' senior leadership experience, managing both people and business performance
- Proven leadership of multi-shift manufacturing, packaging, and distribution operations
- Strong background in commercial packaging, including new line implementation and process optimisation
- Deep understanding of GMP, cGMP, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, performance analysis, and cost optimisation
- Data-driven, analytical mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
- Ability to lead cross-functionally and influence at all levels
- Inclusive leadership style with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to build, motivate, and retain high-performing teams
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities
- Comfortable making sound decisions in dynamic, regulated environments
Other
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We prohibit discrimination based on any protected characteristic. Note: This job description outlines the role\'s primary responsibilities and expectations but is not an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve based on business needs.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
:quality(80))
:quality(80))
:quality(80))