Director of Operations

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards

Job Description

Operations Director, Clinical Trials

Location: Horsham (Multi-site UK role)

Role Overview

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Every day, our colleagues bring our Mission to life—enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. By joining our Pharma Services team, you’ll be part of a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) trusted by biotech and biopharma companies worldwide for speed, flexibility, and quality across every phase of drug development.

Our end-to-end capabilities span clinical trial logistics, packaging, distribution, and commercial manufacturing, supporting many of today’s most important therapies—and helping shape the future of healthcare.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director, Clinical Trials to lead and scale our UK Clinical Trials operations. Based primarily at our Horsham site, this senior leadership role also supports our Crawley and Bishop’s Stortford locations, with occasional travel required.

Given the operational nature of the role, on-site leadership is essential. To support work–life balance, we offer flexibility for up to one remote working day per week.

As Director of Operations, Clinical Trials, you will be accountable for end-to-end operational performance, overseeing Clinical Packaging, Commercial Packaging, Supply Chain, and Operations Support. Sitting at the intersection of strategy and execution, this role plays a critical part in ensuring patients gain timely access to life-changing therapies—without compromise to safety, quality, or compliance.

You will lead with purpose, building resilient teams, strengthening customer partnerships, and driving continuous improvement in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment. Working closely with site, regional, and divisional leaders, you will translate business strategy into operational excellence, support site growth and expansion, and reinforce Thermo Fisher Scientific’s reputation as a trusted partner in clinical trial delivery.

Your impact will be tangible, measurable, and directly connected to our Mission.

What will you do?

• 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
• Support additional initiatives as required by the General Manager

Keys to Success

Education & 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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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

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.