Head of Operations / Site Lead - diagnostics
| Posting date: | 06 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £95,000.0 to £115,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £95-115,000 plus car, bonus, etc |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 March 2026 |
| Location: | North Wales, Gwynedd, LL55 4EL |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4768844_1770388878 |
Summary
Your new company
You'll be joining a global leader in healthcare technology, recognised for pioneering breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes and advance diagnostic innovation worldwide. With a strong commitment to sustainability, diversity and continuous learning, the organisation empowers its people to grow, challenge convention and drive meaningful impact. At this UK manufacturing centre, you'll be part of a collaborative leadership team dedicated to delivering high‑quality diagnostic products that support clinicians and patients across the globe.
Your new role
This is a permanent position, requiring a majority on-site presence (3+ days per week), that is part of the Executive Leadership Team for this high-performing site.
Main responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:
- Develop and execute the Technical Operations strategy for immunoassay platforms, ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery of supply, quality and productivity targets.
- Lead technical support for raw material and reagent manufacturing, including troubleshooting, process optimisation and strengthening supply resilience.
- Oversee robust root‑cause investigations and corrective actions for technical issues, ensuring operational excellence.
- Build, mentor and inspire a high‑performing Technical Operations team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory standards (ISO 13485, FDA, MHRA) and support audits, inspections and regulatory submissions.
- Drive technical projects including material changes, product improvements and new product introductions, managing timelines, budgets and stakeholder communication.
- Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain and other functions, acting as a key technical liaison across the organisation.
- Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation and operational performance while maintaining high standards of quality and delivery.
- Champion a proactive Environmental, Health & Safety culture across all Technical Operations activities.
What you'll need to succeed
- BSc or MSc (PhD preferred but not essential) in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Significant experience in technical support within diagnostics or biologics manufacturing.
- Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in GMP environments.
- Deep understanding of immunoassay platforms.
- Proven track record in process optimisation, troubleshooting and technology transfer.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks including FDA, EMA, ICH and ISO 13485.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational leadership skills.
- Ability to manage complex projects with strategic thinking, critical analysis and a pragmatic approach.
- Confidence working with data insights, predictive analytics and emerging AI/ML tools.
What you'll get in return
You'll get the chance to make a major impact on a leading global diagnostics company, taking on a role with significant managerial responsibility and the chance to further develop your career within a collaborative and high-performing environment.
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: technical, operations, diagnostics, manufacturing, immunoassay, assay, platforms, process, engineering, troubleshooting, GMP, ISO13485, FDA, MHRA, quality, improvement, Lean, Six, Sigma, lifecycle, management, reagents, raw, materials, optimisation, leadership, biologics, compliance, analytics