Site Operations Manager (m/f/d)

Job Purpose

R&D Engineering Services (RDES) provides Facilities Management, Engineering and Capital Project services tailored to the needs of R&D across its technical sites within GSC’s Engineering and EHS organization. This role will partner with R&D leadership, RDES operations management, and key Service Delivery Partners to drive transformation initiatives at the GSK Research and Development (R&D) site in Heidelberg, Germany. The site is located on the campus of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and offers a highly interdisciplinary scientific environment that enables technological innovation and helps translate research discoveries into meaningful scientific and business value for GSK. In collaboration with R&D leadership, the Site Transformation Lead will develop a deep understanding of business strategies and priorities, map out gaps in operational effectiveness, and deliver a site transformation plan that may include business process improvements, enhanced governance, culture and engagement initiatives to address identified pain points and embed long‑term sustainable change. The role will foster a culture of transparency and trust with operations teams, service partners and customers. A minimum of 4 days on site per week is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Fully responsible for the services, facilities operations, infrastructure and project delivery across the site.
• Work with R&D and RDES leadership to develop and drive completion of a measurable site transformation plan to improve ways of working and the effectiveness of RDES operations.
• Chair a site‑level operations team to include key stakeholders, business partners and Service Providers.
• Build relationships with local and regional Service Partner teams; agree and monitor scope of services; and roll‑out strengthened site governance to ensure execution in line with agreed service levels / KPIs.
• Set and deliver site annual objectives and budgets; develop a 5‑year Facilities Master Plan.
• Uphold and ensure compliance with internal GSK policies, standards, procedures and relevant external regulatory requirements with respect to Quality, Statutory and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements; ensuring audit readiness at all times.
• Duty Holder for external license or statutory Duty Holder requirements in RDES areas of responsibility.
• Act as the key GSK contact for external community, government or other agencies at a local level.
• Act as mediator and decision maker in the resolution of disputes associated with delivery of services at the site level.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvements and innovations to improve customer service levels and/or deliver cost savings without impacting workplace experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
• Specialisation in an Engineering or Scientific subject.
• 7+ years’ experience in directing operations or capital projects.
• Experience leading and supporting change initiatives within complex organisations, preferably in an R&D environment.
• Customer‑focused mindset with understanding of business needs analysis and customer relationship management.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, with ability to motivate and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and persuasion skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with external contract partners.
• Strategic thinking and long‑term planning capability.
• Ability to ensure compliance with standards, policies, EHS, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Financial literacy to manage budgets, Capex and P & L.
• Ability to understand, communicate and manage complex technical issues.
• Knowledge of R&D facilities standards, health, safety, environment, quality and GxP requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and German.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science degree or equivalent.
• Specialisation in an Engineering or Scientific subject.
• Experience in facilities management.
• Experience within an R&D environment.

Skills

• Customer Service Management
• Digital Fluency
• Facility Management
• Financial Acumen
• Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Management Systems
• Influencing Without Authority
• Risk Management
• Service Delivery Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Vendor Management

Salary Range

Germany Salary Range / Gehaltsbandbreiten Deutschland: EUR 86,250 to EUR 143,750. The annual gross base salary range listed is for new hires in this position and is based on candidate skills, experience, education and market rate. The role may also offer an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in a share‑based long‑term incentive program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or any basis prohibited under law.

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