Description
IT Site Lead – Life Sciences / Pharmaceutical Industry
Guildford, Surrey (Onsite, 5 days a week)
Full-time, Permanent
£Competitive salary
We're working with a well-established organisation in the life sciences sector to recruit an experienced IT Site Lead for their Guildford location. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee local IT operations, support lab-specific systems, and collaborate closely with global colleagues. The successful candidate will bring industry-specific experience from a GxP-regulated environment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage both people and systems with confidence.
About the Role
As IT Site Lead, you’ll provide day-to-day leadership for a small IT team while maintaining and enhancing business-critical systems, including laboratory informatics platforms. You’ll play a key part in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, Part 11, Annex 11), supporting internal audits, and driving IT infrastructure improvements on-site.
This role requires close collaboration with technical and scientific teams and will suit someone who enjoys both hands-on problem-solving and strategic oversight. Experience with Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) like Empower and platforms such as Hyper-V, Veeam, and Active Directory will be essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer and support lab systems including Empower and LAC/E.
- Lead validation efforts for computerized systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with QA and lab teams on data integrity and audit readiness.
- Oversee backups, system configurations, and server management (Hyper-V, Veeam).
- Manage vendor relationships for IT and lab systems, including upgrades and SLAs.
- Provide hardware/software support (desktops, laptops, enterprise applications).
- Maintain Active Directory and Citrix environments.
- Deliver mentoring and leadership to junior IT team members.
What You’ll Need
- Prior experience in a similar industry (pharmaceutical, life sciences, or GxP-regulated environment) is essential.
- Proven background in IT systems support and administration.
- Knowledge of laboratory systems and regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11).
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- A relevant degree or diploma is preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with global teams.
Salary, Benefits & Location
- Salary: £Competitive (depending on experience)
- Location: Guildford, Surrey – Onsite, 5 days per week
- Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave and bank holidays
- Company pension contributions
- Private medical insurance or health cash plan
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Regular social events and activities
