About this role
Job title: Laboratory Manager - Organics
About the Role Lead the day-to-day running of the Organics Team to deliver high-quality analytical testing and/or logistics support, keeping the lab performing at its best. You’ll drive safe, compliant, on-time delivery while developing people, improving processes and deputising for the Department Manager when needed. You’ll help maintain UKAS/ISO 17025 standards and drive continuous improvement.
What You'll Do
- Lead, motivate and performance-manage a busy Organics team to deliver productivity and on-time results without compromising analytical integrity
- Promote a strong Health & Safety culture; ensure full compliance with HSE requirements and ALS policies
- Maintain UKAS/ISO 17025 standards in your area through routine checks, audits and right-first-time discipline
- Authorise/review SOPs and analytical methods to ensure they remain valid, robust and fit for purpose
- Investigate issues/nonconformances, ensure accurate documentation, and drive timely corrective actions
- Partner with Customer Services on technical queries and product quality matters to protect customer experience
- Own capability: training plans, competence records, coaching and PDPs to build a confident, flexible team
- Support recruitment, selection and onboarding to strengthen resourcing and succession
- Deliver continuous improvement and operational excellence, working with the OpEx team to embed better ways of working
- Deputise for the Department Manager across H&S, Quality, HR and Production/Delivery as required
What We're Looking For
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and/or significant experience in a commercial testing laboratory
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025/UKAS requirements
- MCERTS experience beneficial
- Demonstrable people leadership skills (performance management, coaching, difficult conversations)
- Solid understanding of Quality Management Systems and a “do it right” mindset
- Confident communicator who can work effectively with teams, managers and Customer Services
- Proven ability to plan, prioritise and organise resources to meet turnaround and service targets
- Track record of driving improvements and solving problems using data and root-cause thinking
- High standards of integrity and confidentiality when handling technical and people matters
- Comfortable staying technically current in the area