Laboratory Manager - Analytical Testing

Are you an inspiring leader with a scientific background, ready to empower teams and drive operational excellence? Do you want to be at the heart of the UK's largest independent water testing facility - where your expertise helps safeguard drinking water quality for millions?

NSF is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead our analytical testing laboratory in Oakdale, South Wales. Reporting to the Director Labs UK, you'll manage a talented team dedicated to performing a diverse range of analytical tests on water samples and materials that come into contact with drinking water. You'll ensure all work meets ISO/IEC 17025 standards and national/international regulations, using your scientific skills in a leadership role that drives operational excellence and makes a real difference to public health.

• On-site Leadership:
  Be at the heart of our analytical testing laboratory, leading from the front - guiding a team of nine direct reports and collaborating with cross-functional partners to drive innovation and excellence.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  Health cover, company sick pay, income protection, and wellbeing support.
• Empowering Culture:
  Join a team where diversity, inclusion, and safety are core values and where your leadership will make a real impact.
• Wellbeing & Volunteering:
  Access our Employee Assistance Programme, enjoy a paid Mental Wellness Day, and take paid time off to support causes you care about.
• Lab Excellence:
  Apply your scientific expertise in a hands‑on environment, shaping best practice and driving continuous improvement as a manager.

• Lead, motivate, and empower analytical laboratory staff to achieve their best, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance environment.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development, ensuring your team has the skills and support needed to excel.
• Optimise laboratory workflows and processes, driving operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards and Health & Safety requirements.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of analytical tests, including water sample analysis (colour, turbidity, metal content by ICP‑MS), product testing, odour/flavour assessments, and basic microbiological work.
• Collaborate with Account Management and laboratory teams to plan and prioritise work, maximising client satisfaction and revenue.
• Monitor laboratory income, budgets, and KPIs, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Champion a strong safety culture and promote open communication across the team.

• Qualifications:
  
  Proven leadership experience within a scientific or laboratory environment.
• High standard of education, ideally with a degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Strong management skills, with a track record of motivating and empowering teams.
• Excellent process management abilities, with experience in workflow optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Business management and financial acumen.

Technical proficiency in analytical laboratory operations and safety requirements.

• Do the Right Thing
• Treat People Well
• Relentlessly Pursue Excellence
• We are one NSF.

These principles drive everything we do - from client service to internal collaboration.

Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now with your CV and cover letter. Join us and make a difference in a team that values your expertise and leadership!

About Us:

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found .

NSF is an equal…