Site IT Lead

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