Laboratory Manager

About the role

Be part of this ‘once in a generation’ project that will deliver clean energy to 6 million homes for the next 60 years. Sizewell C will see the creation of a 3.2 Gigawatt nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast to provide reliable load low‑carbon electricity.

The Civil Works Alliance is an extended delivery enterprise involving Sizewell C and three international construction companies:
Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke.

We are more than just an alliance, we are bringing together a single delivery organisation with years of learning and experience from other major complex infrastructure programmes worldwide.

The purpose of the role is to establish, operate and manage all aspects of construction materials testing (Concrete, Aggregates, Cement, Water and others as required) for the manufacture and construction of tunnel segments and marine heads and ramps for our Marine & Tunnelling function.

• Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm
• Support the delivery of the project sustainability activities
• Safe delivery of materials testing support for the project
• Establishment and maintenance of UKAS accredited test facility
• Recruitment, training and development of junior staff
• Agree testing regimes with site and customer including production of inspection and test plans based on specifications
• Implement digital materials testing system into laboratory using the Balfour Beatty system adopted at SZC main site
• Establish equipment requirements, raise orders and manage inventory and maintain budget
• Undertake audits of laboratory Quality Systems on the project and other projects as required by an agreed rota, and ensure findings are closed.
• Undertake safety inspections of the testing laboratory and report all incidents
• Participate in inter‑laboratory and intra‑laboratory test exercises as required and agreed rota and site requirements.

• In depth knowledge of ISO 17025
• Good interpersonal/communication skills
• Experience of working in a nuclear environment
• Ability to collect, manage and present data in a clear manner
• Knowledge of digital reporting platforms

• In depth knowledge of construction materials (Concrete, Aggregates, Cement)
• Desire for continuous improvement and development
• Quick learner
• Well organised
• Experience of problem solving and root cause analysis

• Previous experience of running a UKAS accredited laboratory for a large construction project
• Experience in auditing, training and development of junior staff also required
• Minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Full UK driving licence
• Experience of testing and reporting low slump concrete (typically for tunnel segment manufacture)

• SMSTS or SSSTS qualified
• Member of a relevant professional institution
• Experience of managing a defined budget
• Experience of preparing and reviewing risk assessments and method statements

42 hours per week

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

Balfour Beatty’s Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK’s most complex and iconic infrastructure projects including HS2, the new high‑speed railway and the first nuclear power station in a generation, Hinkley Point

C. Using the latest technology, we’re driving productivity and creating a…