Animal Portfolio Lead

Job Description

Job Description:

The Animal Portfolio Lead coordinates and assigns animal resources to effectively execute Waltham's research and animal population plans, aligning with site strategy and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation.

The job holder is responsible for planning and monitoring a complex portfolio of animal activities, developing strategies and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance animal capabilities for research and animal breeding. A strong understanding of animal plans is required for liaising with the Operations, Research and Lab teams.

The Animal Portfolio Lead:

• will collaborate with Operations to ensure animal and housing utilisation to support research trials and breeding program, maintain awareness of all trials, and respond to unforeseen circumstances to ensure successful completion. Any risks and opportunities to be flagged to the relevant stakeholders.

• is responsible for developing, tracking, and communicating key metrics in the assessment of animal performance, such as utilisation and breeding metrics.

• is responsible for ensuring HO Returns are completed within the required timeframe and standard, and auditing research protocols.

Location: UK, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, hybrid work model (around 70% on-site)

Salary: from £50,000 (depending on the level of experience), annual bonus, benefits

What are we looking for?

Education and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Science, Biomedical Science, or a related field.

• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline is desirable.

• Professional certification or training related to animal science or animal welfare is desirable.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Proven experience in project management or resource coordination within a scientific or research setting.

• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools e.g. Power BI to track operational metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience with ASRU legislation and HO returns is desirable.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Collaborate with resource managers and the deployment team to develop detailed animal schedules for research trials.

• Assess animal population needs over a 1-5 year horizon to support the Waltham research and Breeding programs.

• Coordinate trial activity, housing, breeding, sourcing, and homing in partnership with the key stakeholders within the Operations and Research team.

• Create and maintain tracking and reporting tools to monitor population effectiveness, communicate results to stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements in relation to animal use and Home Office returns.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here

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