Site Director

SITE DIRECTOR – LIFE SCIENCES TESTING FACILITY

MISSION

The Site Director is responsible for the overall effectiveness of site operations, overseeing commercial, operational, managerial, and administrative activities in line with the organisation’s core values and strategic direction as defined by senior leadership. The Site Director is accountable for the performance and financial sustainability of the business unit, ensuring optimal use of resources within approved budgetary parameters. The role involves leading the Business Unit Director in implementing operational activities while fostering strong team engagement and ensuring dynamic human resources management. The Site Director represents the organisation externally within their scope of responsibility and ensures the consistent implementation of the employer brand. The Site Director is a member of the site’s senior leadership team and reports directly to a Group-level Director. The Site Director acts as either deputy or primary responsible person for the management of regulated testing facilities.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

Responsibilities include biocompatibility and toxicology testing, regulatory affairs, and related services in the following sectors:

• Medical devices
• Pharmaceutical products
• Antiseptics and disinfectants
• Chemicals
• Cosmetics

Support services for testing activities include:

• Preparation, manufacturing, and sterilisation of culture media, diluents, and reagents
• Stock management and shipment of laboratory consumables
• Washing and decontamination services
• Registration and traceability of customer samples

KEY ACTIVITIES

Management (in collaboration with General Management):

• Leads site operations while ensuring strong employee engagement and adherence to organisational values
• Drives internal and external communication
• Proposes and leads transformation and improvement projects, defining success criteria and implementation plans
• Ensures compliance of all projects delivered within the business unit
• Organises evaluation and follow-up of implemented actions
• Leads interim and final performance reviews with management teams and operational committees
• Ensures effective use of operational performance monitoring tools
• Guarantees compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards

TEAM LEADERSHIP

The Site Director manages a multidisciplinary team including:

• Business Unit Director
• Service and unit managers
• Technical staff
• Support functions

WORK ORGANISATION

• Defines a secure, collaborative, and participative working framework with management teams
• Formalises roles, responsibilities, and governance
• Identifies performance optimisation initiatives in collaboration with management
• Oversees operational procedures and ensures they remain current
• Supervises workforce planning, leave, and absences to ensure continuity of operations

MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE / UNIT MANAGERS

• Supports project delivery, people management, and conflict resolution through regular one-to-one meetings
• Develops team cohesion and complementary skill sets
• Ensures effective internal and cross-functional communication
• Conducts annual performance reviews for direct reports
• Ensures operational continuity in the absence of key managers

SKILLS AND TALENT MANAGEMENT

• Ensures continuous development of competencies across the business unit
• Defines and implements the annual training plan in coordination with HR
• Participates in recruitment processes alongside HR

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Develops, manages, and monitors the site budget with senior management
• Ensures financial performance in line with strategic and operational objectives

COMMERCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drives commercial development of the business unit in coordination with the sales function
• Evolves and enhances the service offering through cross-functional collaboration
• Represents and promotes organisational values internally and externally
• Negotiates with key clients and subcontractors

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• Strong knowledge of the regulatory environment applicable to life sciences testing
• Solid command of GMP, FDA, and accredited laboratory standards
• Working knowledge of employment and labour regulations
• Strong understanding of business and operational management principles

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE & LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Strategic Leadership:

• Analyses and communicates strategic information effectively
• Demonstrates a high-level, holistic perspective
• Develops and executes strategic vision
• Leads organisational change initiatives
• Anticipates risks and consequences
• Applies structured problem-solving and decision-making methodologies
• Manages complex projects
• Synthesises and reports information clearly and objectively
• Builds strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Contributes to corporate social responsibility initiatives

People Leadership:

• Leads and develops managers
• Designs and evolves organisational structures
• Mobilises teams and fosters engagement
• Develops individual and collective capabilities
• Anticipates and manages conflict
• Drives transformation and change

Risk & Performance Management:

• Manages budgets and analytical accounting
• Anticipates risks and manages crisis situations

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Integrity, discretion, and confidentiality
• Emotional intelligence and composure in all situations
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and active listening
• Ability to negotiate with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptability and strategic agility
• Confident public speaker
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and accountability
• Strong decision-making and leadership presence

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree (Bachelor +4/5), preferably in engineering or scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics)
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in production or operational environments
• Minimum 4 years’ experience as a Site Director and/or Business Unit Director