Sample Dispatch Team Lead

We are partnering with a key player in the life sciences sector, offering an excellent opportunity for a Sample Dispatch Team Lead to join a dynamic scientific operations environment in Stevenage. This is a leadership role focused on team management, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement within sample dispatch services. You will play a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of services, achieving KPIs, and supporting future growth., As Sample Dispatch Team Lead, you will oversee daily operations of the sample dispatch team, ensuring high-quality, compliant service delivery while driving performance, development, and process improvements. You will act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, provide leadership to your team, and play an important role in shaping and expanding dispatch services., Leadership & Team Management

• Manage, coach, and develop direct reports, including performance management and development planning
• Set clear expectations and provide regular, constructive feedback
• Support team engagement, growth, and capability building
Operations & Service Delivery
• Lead day-to-day sample dispatch operations, managing workload, priorities, and task execution
• Ensure delivery of agreed Scope of Work and achievement of monthly KPIs
• Provide first-line operational support and subject matter expertise
Compliance & Quality
• Ensure all activities comply with GLP, GMP, health & safety, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain a safe, secure, and compliant working environment
• Support audits, inspections, and GEMBA walks
• Oversee handling of regulated materials (e.g. dangerous goods, controlled substances)
Process Improvement & Reporting
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation initiatives
• Analyse operational data, trends, and KPIs to identify opportunities
• Prepare and maintain operational reports, dashboards, and governance materials
• Lead or contribute to improvement projects
Stakeholder & Customer Management
• Act as main point of contact for sample dispatch queries and escalations
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and partners
• Gather and act on customer feedback to improve service delivery
• Collaborate with procurement and stakeholders to identify cost efficiencies
Documentation & Systems
• Maintain compliant documentation including SOPs, risk assessments, and training records
• Ensure accurate use of systems for tracking and reporting
• Support audit readiness and quality frameworks
Specialist Support
• Act as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA), supporting shipping teams with regulatory guidance and issue resolution
  
  Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in sample management, logistics, or dispatch operations within a regulated environment
• Strong leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of GMP in a scientific environment
• Solid knowledge of service KPIs, metrics, and performance tracking
• Experience with LIMS or similar systems and operational reporting
• Extensive knowledge of IATA and Known Consignor regulations
• Up-to-date training in IATA, ADR, and IMDG
Desirable
• DGSA qualified or working towards
• Experience within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry
• Knowledge of SHE requirements and managerial responsibilities
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies, Strong leadership and people management skills
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence
  
  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor? Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science. The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!


• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for your birthday
• Opportunity to contribute to a growing, high-impact life sciences service