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