Lab Manager

Based onsite with a global pharmaceutical company, you will manage the technical services that keep the laboratory running efficiently, from supporting a large suite of HPLC and GC instruments to overseeing laboratory consumables, sampling and day‑to‑day laboratory support. The role combines technical leadership, problem solving and continuous improvement within a highly regulated scientific environment.

We are looking for an energetic, proactive leader who enjoys improving processes, developing people and delivering an outstanding service to key stakeholders while still being happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in when needed.

You will lead two specialist teams (seven direct reports) providing essential support to analytical chemists across the site. This is a hands‑on management role where you will ensure high standards of safety, regulatory compliance and service delivery are maintained at all times.

• Laboratory Instrument Support – Provides on‑site engineering support for around 40 HPLC and GC systems. The role involves hands‑on technical support, troubleshooting instrument issues, coordinating maintenance and helping to minimise downtime.
• Technical Laboratory Services – Supports analytical chemists through the preparation of mobile phases, raw material and stability sampling, consumables management, and solvent and contaminated waste disposal.

• Strong practical experience with HPLC, including instrument troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Experience leading or supervising a small technical team.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment (pharmaceutical, chemical, food, medical devices, oil & gas or similar) with a solid understanding of quality systems and compliance.
• GC experience would be highly advantageous.
• Innovative and enthusiastic leader with a growth mindset.

This role would particularly suit someone working in laboratory instrument support, chromatography service engineering, laboratory operations or a technical laboratory leadership position.

This is an excellent opportunity to combine technical expertise with people leadership while making a real impact within a well‑established laboratory support function.

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