Laboratory Manager - Organics

Role Overview

Contract and Schedule

• The position is permanent and scheduled for 37 hours per week.
• The role is based on site in Hawarden.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and performance-manage a busy team to deliver productivity and on-time results without compromising analytical integrity.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE requirements and ALS policies.
• Maintain UKAS and ISO 17025 standards through routine checks, audits, and right-first-time discipline.
• Authorise and review SOPs and analytical methods to ensure they remain valid, robust, and fit for purpose.
• Investigate issues and nonconformances, maintain accurate documentation, and drive timely corrective actions.
• Partner with Customer Services on technical queries and product quality matters.
• Own training plans, competence records, coaching, and personal development plans for the team.
• Support recruitment, selection, and onboarding to strengthen resourcing and succession.
• Deliver continuous improvement and operational excellence with the OpEx team.
• Deputise for the Department Manager across health and safety, quality, HR, and production or delivery as required.

Essential Requirements

• HNC or HND, or equivalent, in a relevant subject, and/or significant experience in a commercial testing laboratory.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025 and UKAS requirements.
• Demonstrable people leadership skills, including performance management, coaching, and difficult conversations.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems.
• Confident communication with teams, managers, and Customer Services.
• 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.
• Ability to remain technically current in the relevant area.
• Willingness and ability to comply with the nine regulatory competencies.

Desirable Qualification

• MCERTS experience is beneficial.

Benefits

• Annual leave starts at 25 days and rises to 30 days, plus eight public holidays, with pro rata treatment for part-time work.
• Benefits include the ability to buy annual leave, enhanced company sick pay, salary progression, recognition awards, and Perkbox membership.
• Learning and study support, a group personal pension plan, and on-site car parking are provided.

Working at ALS