You will be responsible for the smooth operation of the animal unit, ensuring compliance with UK Home Office regulations, and resolving day-to-day leadership tasks. You will also manage several Technical and Husbandry Specialists, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, staff performance, and procedural compliance.

Main Tasks

• Operational:

+ Provide operational and people management for a small rodent animal unit + Ensure compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and all Home Office, institutional, and ethical requirements + Act as a holder of a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) and perform licensed procedures as required + Oversee animal welfare, husbandry standards, health monitoring, and environmental conditions within the facility + Support staff training, performance management, and rota planning + Maintain accurate records relating to animal use, staffing, training, and compliance + Liaise with scientists, veterinarians, the NACWO, and other Named Persons to support study delivery + Contribute to continuous improvement of facility processes, SOPs, and regulatory readiness + Support internal and external audits and inspections + Keep up to date on latest initiatives concerning animal welfare + Liaise with external sites, facilities to aid continuous improvement in animal welfare

• People Leader:

+ Effectively manage direct reports on a day-to-day basis + Establish strong working relationships across the management community + Identify areas for improvement and development, and facilitate opportunities for self and direct reports + Be a positive influence across the group, able to coach, guide, and mentor more junior staff and peers as needed

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in a biological or life sciences discipline, or significant equivalent experience in laboratory animal science
• Demonstrable lab-based industry-led experience in the Contract Research Organisation or biotech discovery environment
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience, overseeing smaller teams on a day-to-day basis
• Practical knowledge of standard conditions in animal facilities, including husbandry, biosecurity, environmental controls, and welfare assessment
• Strong communication skills, able to foster working relationships with peers and reports alike in a professional manner
• Home Office Personal Licence covering rodents
• Eligibility and willingness to be appointed as a NACWO under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), subject to Home Office approval

What We Offer You

• Competitive benefits package starting from day one of employment, covering Financial & Retirement, Health & Wellness, Work-Life Balance, and Additional Perks

Job Data by YubHub.