About the Role:
My client is looking for a confident and proactive individual who can help shape the next phase of their growth in the private Life Sciences sector. The role offers the chance to influence strategic direction within the estates of existing and upcoming high-profile Life Sciences clients, from early-stage planning and site acquisition to long-term asset optimisation and estate masterplanning.
Projects could include:
• Expansion of a research institute following a new partnership or funding agreement
• Repurposing of a laboratory to support a revised investigative or therapeutic focus
• Integration of Operational Technology systems to increase Quality Assurance standards in a
GMP manufacturing plant
• Modernisation of buildings across an academic campus to enhance collaboration and
sustainability
You will work alongside a Business Development colleague, a Director who has led a major account with significant success, and a Project Management team dedicated to delivering the strategies that you develop.
Responsibilities:
• Act as a key account holder to clients (including pharmaceutical, biotech, and research institutes), building and maintaining relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and providing strategic insight into capital planning, decarbonisation, and space optimisation
• Lead end-to-end strategy development, producing evidence-based estate strategies, option appraisals, and business cases
• Undertake spatial and capacity analysis of laboratories and support spaces, working with design and technical specialists to align estates provision with scientific workflows and regulatory requirements (e.g. GMP, GLP, ISO)
• Support proposal and tender preparation in an advisory capacity, contributing strategic insight and value propositions for new and existing clients
• Facilitate effective handover to dedicated delivery teams, ensuring strategic intent and client priorities are clearly translated into implementation plans, design briefs, and measurable performance outcomes
Required Skills:
• Extensive experience within the Life Sciences sector, with a solid understanding of the estates and facilities associated (including wet/dry/analytical labs, cleanrooms, GMP facilities, innovation or science parks) with awareness of their operational and regulatory nuances
• Knowledge of estate/facility strategy, such as site suitability analysis, lab repurposing, technology integration, feasibility studies, and change management
• Proven background delivering consultancy or strategic advisory projects in Life Sciences, research, or estates-focused environments
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen, able to connect estate decisions to business objectives, cost models, and long-term ROI
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently and credibly with senior stakeholders across technical, scientific, and estates functions
Desirable Skills:
• Professional qualification in a relevant built environment discipline (architecture, engineering, facilities, or property management)
• Training or certification in project/programme management
• Experience working with stakeholders in complex, multi-tenant science environments (e.g. research campuses, innovation clusters, or science parks)
• Familiarity with UK government or funding frameworks that influence life sciences estates (e.g. UKRI, NHS England, or regional investment bodies)
• Recognised accreditations and strong connections within the Life Sciences industry
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and presentation tools (e.g. PowerPoint, InDesign, Illustrator
