Operations Manager

As a proactive and forward-thinking Operations Manager, you'll lead the end-to-end operational performance and continuous improvement of our Hillcrest site in Belton, Leicestershire.

Reporting directly to the Operations Director – EMEA, you will play a critical role in aligning local site operations with regional and global business objectives. You’ll ensure the safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective delivery while upholding ethical standards and supporting a culture of scientific integrity.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly specialised and regulated site operating under UK frameworks such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). You’ll manage a multidisciplinary team and oversee core operational functions—including production, maintenance & security—while driving innovation, performance, and continuous improvement.

While prior experience in life sciences or research models and services (RMS) is an advantage, it is not essential. What matters most is that you’ve taken the time to understand the nature of the environment and bring strong leadership, operational know-how, and a commitment to quality, compliance, and performance in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operational leadership of the Hillcrest site.
• Align site objectives with global business goals, ensuring consistency in delivery, performance, and standards.
• Drive operational efficiency, output, safety, and cost-effectiveness through KPIs and performance frameworks.
• Develop and empower cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), Ethical review and licensing processes via the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)
• Partner with quality, veterinary, and compliance colleagues to uphold operational and scientific excellence.
• Manage site-level financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
  
  

About You

You are an experienced and hands-on operations leader who thrives in regulated or quality-focused environments. You bring a balance of strategic thinking and practical execution, with a strong track record of delivering results through empowered teams and well-run processes.

• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, complex, or regulated operational settings

Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of operational processes and how to translate strategic direction into day-to-day execution

Experienced in managing budgets, driving cost efficiency, and understanding the financial drivers of operational performance

Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build alignment across diverse teams

Previous experience in life sciences or animal research is an advantage, but not essential—you should be comfortable with, and have taken time to understand, the nature of the environment and the standards it requires

Familiarity with UK regulatory or compliance frameworks (e.g. Health & Safety, or biosecurity protocols) is beneficial; full training will be provided where needed

Location/Benefits:

This is a full-time role, based at our Hillcrest site in Belton, just outside of Loughborough.

• Competitive salary
• 33 days holiday (including public holidays)
• Pension, life assurance, and income protection (after qualifying period)
• Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, tech discounts, and retail savings

Employee wellbeing support via EAP, fitness and wellness platform, and mental health resources

Opportunities for progression and development within a growing international business

This role operates in a biosecurity environment, so candidates must not own pet rodents or rabbits, and must disclose if they own animals that feed on rodents (e.g. snakes, birds of prey).

A full UK driving licence is required due to limited public transport access

About Inotiv

Inotiv is a growing global contract research organisation (CRO) supporting drug discovery and development. Our work contributes to scientific and medical advances that improve health and wellbeing worldwide. At every stage of the journey, our teams play a key role in delivering quality science and operational excellence.

Apply Now To Join Us

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There’s an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual’s unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people’s lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.