Managing Director

Managing Director (MD) Location : Watford Reporting To : Divisional Managing Director Salary: £80,000 per annum plus significant LTIP About the Business A leading specialist laboratory dedicated to Quality Control Release Testing for pharmaceutical importers is seeking a Managing Director. The business, with a turnover of approximately £4m, is a valued part of an international group specialising in technical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) services. Backed by this supportive parent group, the laboratory benefits from strong industry knowledge, shared best practices, and long-term stability, while maintaining operational independence and a close-knit team culture. The business enters a significant phase marked by the retirement of its current Managing Director and a strategic relocation of its laboratory. There is also an active focus on growth and diversification, including expansion into food supplement testing and broader life sciences markets. Role Summary This Managing Director role provides a rare opportunity to lead a specialist business at a pivotal time. You will have overall responsibility for strategy, operations, people, and growth, ensuring compliance, driving the major relocation project, and spearheading diversification efforts. Collaboration with group leaders from the parent company will allow you to leverage global expertise, resources, and support while preserving the laboratory’s specialist focus and client relationships. Key Responsibilities Develop and deliver the business's strategic growth and diversification plans. Oversee and successfully execute the large-scale laboratory relocation initiative. Ensure continuous regulatory compliance across all operational areas. Expand the laboratory's services, including launching food supplement testing and targeting new market sectors. Build and nurture a high-performing, inclusive, and adaptable team culture. Maintain and strengthen client relationships throughout the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and related industries. Actively engage and collaborate with stakeholders and peers across the global parent group for knowledge sharing and operational excellence. About the Laboratory Specialist analytical services for the pharmaceutical sector, including batch certification, stability testing, method development and validation, raw material testing, and compliance analysis for unlicensed and veterinary products. Committed to stringent regulatory standards for both the human and veterinary medicines markets. Currently focused on expanding service offerings and entering the food supplement and wider life sciences sectors. Benefits from the structure, investment, and network of an established, international TICC-focused parent group, while maintaining a tight-knit operational environment. Candidate Profile Leadership experience in a regulated laboratory, pharmaceutical, scientific, or TICC (Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance) services environment. This could be a great step up for someone moving into an MD role for the first time Demonstrated ability to manage change and lead teams through periods of transformation. Commercial acumen with a record of business growth, service diversification, and market development. Strong familiarity with regulatory frameworks, laboratory best practices, and quality management. Excellent communicator, capable of fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture. Experience working within or alongside a multi-business group structure is advantageous but not essential.

Location: Watford, UK, GB

Posted Date: 8/2/2025