Laboratory Manager

An opportunity has become available for two Laboratory Managers to join our Analytical Services team in Saltford. We are looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in people management and continuous improvement to join our leadership team. You will work closely with the Head of Analytical Services and other laboratory managers, playing a key role in delivering an outstanding laboratory service.

Wessex Water's laboratory in Saltford processes more than 176,000 samples and five million analytical results annually and plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment. We are a scientific centre accredited to ISO 17025 that utilises world‑class technologies and equipment to analyse water and environmental samples.

We are currently undertaking an ambitious programme of improvements to our facilities, systems and ways of working, including the development of our new laboratory  a Laboratory Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Analytical Services and ensuring we continue to deliver a safe, compliant and high‑performing service.

We would consider this role for part‑time or flexible working.

Your responsibilities will include:

• driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory performance, capability and resilience
• contributing to the delivery of the Analytical Services strategy through organisational development, business improvement and change programmes
• developing workforce capability through recruitment, succession planning, coaching, performance management and employee development
• monitoring operational performance and responding effectively to risks, incidents, constraints and emerging challenges
• leading and supporting Technical Managers and their teams to deliver safe, efficient and high‑performing laboratory operations
• working collaboratively with laboratory managers and business stakeholders to deliver departmental and company objectives
• supporting the development and implementation of business continuity and resilience arrangements across Analytical Services
• ensuring laboratory operations continue to meet quality standards, regulatory requirements and UKAS accreditation requirements
• promoting and maintaining a positive health, safety and wellbeing culture across the laboratory
• contributing to budget planning and ensuring effective utilisation of people, equipment and resources to meet service demands
• keeping abreast of scientific, regulatory and industry developments and ensuring relevant changes are appropriately implemented
• supporting the ongoing development of our new laboratory facilities and ways of working at Filton.

We are looking for:

• significant leadership and people management experience, including coaching, performance management and development of teams
• experience leading business change, continuous improvement, technology deployment or improvement initiatives
• strong planning, organisational and decision‑making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• experience of workforce planning, organisational development and building team capability
• experience working within a laboratory, scientific or other regulated operational environment
• an understanding of quality management systems and regulated environments
• knowledge of budget management and financial control principles
• excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and business systems
• a leadership or management qualification, or equivalent experience
• a degree‑level qualification in a science, STEM or related discipline
• Chartered Scientist (CSci) status or equivalent professional recognition would be advantageous.

You should be an inspiring and…