Analytical Lab Manager

Valvoline Global; Brackley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading oil and lubricant company located in Brackley, United Kingdom, is seeking an Analytical Lab Manager to oversee laboratory operations. The role requires 5+ years of experience in analytical testing and leadership, ensuring ASTM compliance while driving a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include managing testing schedules, validating data, and maintaining equipment calibration. The manager will also mentor team members and contribute to method improvement initiatives. This position offers an impactful opportunity to lead in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Benefits

Health insurance plans

Flexible spending accounts

Competitive 401(k)

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an analytical or lubricant testing laboratory.
• At least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Expertise with ASTM D-series test methods.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Valvoline’s oil analysis laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM standards.
• Lead a team of scientists in lubricant testing.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ICP

FTIR

Karl Fischer titrators

Viscometers

Job description

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Why Valvoline Global Operations?

At Valvoline Global Operations, we’re proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we’ve never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry. Today, as an affiliate of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driven by innovation and committed to creating sustainable solutions for a better future.

With a global presence, we develop future‑ready products and provide best‑in‑class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion.

Our corporate values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence—are at the heart of everything we do. These values define how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we engage with our partners, customers, and the communities we serve. At Valvoline Global, we are united in our commitment to:

• Treating everyone with care.
• Acting with unwavering integrity.
• Striving for excellence in all endeavors.
• Delivering on our commitments with passion.
• Collaborating as one unified team.

When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions.

As the Analytical Lab Manager, you will oversee the daily operations of Valvoline’s oil analysis laboratory, leading a team of skilled scientists dedicated to lubricant testing, equipment calibration, and certification processes. You will ensure full compliance with ASTM standards while fostering a culture of safety, precision, and continuous improvement.

You will actively promote and model Valvoline’s safety‑driven culture, demonstrating enthusiasm and accountability in every task. The role includes training team members on the routine operation, maintenance, and theory of analytical instrumentation, as well as adherence to SOPs and regulatory guidelines. You will prepare detailed reports summarizing analytical data, recommend improvements to testing methods and workflows, and proactively communicate findings and insights with formulators, peers, and other internal and external customers.

How You Make an Impact

• Lead and develop a team of laboratory professionals focused on oil and lubricant analysis.
• Coordinate testing schedules, priorities, and resources to meet customer and operational goals.
• Review, validate, and approve analytical data to ensure consistency and compliance with ASTM and Valvoline standards.
• Oversee calibration and certification of analytical instruments (e.g., ICP, FTIR, viscometers, Karl Fischer titrators, and other industry specific equipment).
• Maintain and manage equipment calibration schedules, documentation, and traceability in alignment with corporate quality systems.
• Support the development, implementation, and improvement of laboratory SOPs and testing methodologies.
• Ensure all laboratory activities meet safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Act as the technical point of contact for oil analysis programs, method troubleshooting, and customer inquiries.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data and process insights to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Stay current with evolving ASTM test methods, emerging technologies, and best practices in lubricant testing and equipment calibration.
• Additional duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in an analytical or lubricant testing laboratory, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise with ASTM D-series test methods for oil and lubricant analysis.
• Experience managing laboratory equipment calibration and certification programs.
• Proficiency with analytical instruments including ICP, FTIR, viscometers, Karl Fischer titrators, and other industry specific equipment.
• Working knowledge of ASTM standards and quality assurance systems.
• Experience with LIMS platforms and data integrity protocols.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to mentor, motivate, and develop team members.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• High attention to detail, organizational strength, and commitment to operational excellence.

Benefits That Drive Themselves

• Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
• Health Savings Account (with employer base deposit and match)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Competitive 401(k) with generous employer base deposit and match
• Incentive opportunity
• Life insurance
• Short and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• PTO Buy/Sell Options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption assistance
• *Terms and conditions apply, and benefits may differ depending on position or tenure

Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout our recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact us at:.

This contact information is solely for accommodation requests. For inquiries about application status, please use the appropriate channels listed in your application materials.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

At Valvoline Global, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our journey of innovation and excellence. Are you ready to shape the future with us? Apply today.