Operational Site Lead

The Opportunity

Oversees the day-to-day execution of onsite scientific support objectives at customer facilities, ensuring productivity and delivery of high level scientific support services to customers. Supervises a team of scientists, scientific support supervisors and/or highly technical scientific support associates, either at a large site or multiple smaller sites in a geographic region. Sets operational priorities for the team, reviews completed work, and provides feedback to accomplish plans and deliver results effectively.

Identifies opportunities to refine or enhance work methods, implementing adjustments to improve efficiency and the overall effectiveness of scientific support operations. Resolves challenges, like customer issues, within the scope of the services provided by analyzing relevant data and factors to develop informed solutions. Facilitates communication with external customers and internal teams to ensure mutual understanding and engagement across disciplines. Encourages a collaborative environment, supporting team members in achieving objectives while fostering alignment with broader scientific support services initiatives.

Location:

Nijmegen, Netherlands |

Contract:

Full-time | Initial 1-year contract with the possibility of conversion to a permanent position.

We are seeking a proactive, customer-focused Site Services Lead to oversee the delivery of onsite services at our client's facility in Nijmegen. Acting as the primary point of contact between the client and VWR Services, you will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations, managing service performance, and ensuring the successful delivery of onsite support services. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will not only manage the overall onsite services program but also actively support operational activities when required.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving continuous improvement, maintaining service excellence, and building strong relationships with stakeholders across the site.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the client and VWR Services.
• Lead and coordinate daily onsite service delivery activities.
• Manage overall program performance through operational reviews, KPI tracking, and performance reporting.
• Develop, monitor, and drive key performance indicators to support service excellence.
• Coordinate staffing, recruitment, training, associate development, and resource planning.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of new services and scope expansions.
• Ensure effective workload prioritisation, coordination, and execution of daily operational activities.
• Provide operational support and team coverage during periods of absence, holidays, or increased workload.
• Support Production, Quality Control, and Facilities teams as required to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders in a matrix environment.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and compliance standards across all service activities.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Proven people management experience, including recruitment, performance management, coaching, and employee development.
• Experience creating safety and operational documentation, including work instructions, risk assessments, and COSHH documentation.
• Knowledge of GLP, GxP regulations, and audit requirements.
• Experience with inventory and stock management systems and methodologies such as Kanban.
• Strong data capture, analysis, and reporting skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other business systems.
• Experience working within laboratory, scientific, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated environments is preferred.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong customer relationships.
• Strong project management capabilities and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional planning, organisational, analytical, and networking skills.
• Proven customer service mindset with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to partner effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to deliver results.
• Strong problem-solving skills and confidence in making sound decisions under pressure and with limited information.
• Self‑motivated, energetic, dependable, and highly detail-oriented.
• Strong team player with a commitment to supporting colleagues and achieving shared objectives.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the willingness to adjust working hours when necessary to meet customer and operational requirements.

• Opportunity to lead a critical onsite services program within a dynamic scientific environment.
• Exposure to a broad range of operational, quality, and facility support activities.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Professional development and…