Assistant Laboratory Manager

Jersey Water; St. Saviour; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Death in Service

Private health scheme

Job summary

Jersey Water is seeking an Assistant Laboratory Manager to support the Laboratory Manager in delivering safe, high-quality drinking water for Jersey.

You will lead a small team, oversee QA processes, manage data and reporting, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and UK water standards.

Qualifications

• Experience with quality management systems and ISO 17025.
• Experience of interpreting, analysing and reporting scientific data.
• Knowledge of water quality regulations or willingness to develop expertise in this area.
• Experience investigating issues/complaints and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, reports and databases.

Responsibilities

• Assist Laboratory Manager with day-to-day operation and act as deputy when required.
• Undertake sampling and analysis as needed.
• Input and maintain analytical data and generate reports.
• Collate reporting and analyses into databases.
• Investigate consumer complaints on water quality and incidents.
• Support commercial customers with analytical requirements as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of UK water quality regulations and best practice.
• Lead process evaluation, optimisation and projects with colleagues.
• Manage laboratory stocks to ensure essential items are available.
• Ensure ISO 17025 and quality management systems are complied with.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant science

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Assistant Laboratory Manager

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Department: Water Quality

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Douet House

Reporting To: Laboratory Manager

Description

As Assistant Laboratory Manager, you will play a key role in helping Jersey Water ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to the Island. Working closely with the Laboratory Manager, you will support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, oversee quality assurance processes, and help lead a team of water quality professionals.

This varied role combines technical expertise, people leadership, and continuous improvement. You will be involved in water quality sampling and analysis, managing laboratory data and reporting, investigating customer water quality concerns, supporting commercial testing services, and helping to maintain industry-leading quality standards and accreditation requirements.

As the Laboratory Manager’s deputy, you will have the opportunity to lead and develop team members, contribute to process optimisation projects, and play an important part in protecting Jersey’s water supply. The role also provides excellent opportunities for professional development, further training, and career progression within a collaborative and supportive organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Laboratory Manager with the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and to act as their nominated deputy when required.
• Undertake sampling and analysis when required.
• Input and maintain statistical and analytical data on the computer systems producing reports, as requested.
• Administer the collation of reporting and analyses compiling reports and databases.
• Complete investigation of consumer complaints on water quality and pollution incidents.
• Support commercial customers with their analytical requirements as required
• Maintain working knowledge of the UK water quality regulations/best practice and maintain working knowledge of current issues in the water supply sector relating to water quality.
• Assist with process evaluation, optimisation, and investigation either alone or in support of other colleagues.
• Manage laboratory stocks to ensure adequate sampling bottles and other essential items are always available.
• Ensure the Laboratory Quality Management and Assurance systems are complied with and maintained, including Csols, working towards ISO 17025 as required.
• Develop and maintain detailed knowledge of LIMS, complete relevant courses and complete scheduling and annual scheduling of samples.
• Manage Water Quality Analyst and Technicians where required, including 1:1’s and required performance reviews.
• Work weekends on a rota basis and to be available outside of normal working hours for emergency situations.
• Carry out other duties as may reasonably be required.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of laboratory practices, sampling techniques and analytical methods.
• Understanding of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation standards (e.g. ISO 17025).
• Experience of interpreting, analysing and reporting scientific or operational data.
• Knowledge of water quality regulations, environmental compliance requirements, or a willingness to develop expertise in this area.
• Experience of investigating issues, incidents or complaints and identifying appropriate corrective actions.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records, reports and databases.

Leadership & Management

• Previous experience of supervising, coaching or supporting the development of team members (desirable).
• Ability to prioritise workloads and coordinate activities to meet operational deadlines.
• Confidence in making decisions and acting independently when deputising for the Laboratory Manager.

Technical & Commercial Skills

• Experience using laboratory information and data management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to a range of audiences, including customers and non-technical colleagues.
• Experience of stock control, planning or resource management (desirable).

Benefits

After completion of the probation period:

• Pension – Membership of the defined contribution scheme. Jersey Water pays 5% up to 5 years’ service and then 10%, employees pay 5%. A matching scheme is available whereby Jersey Water matches additional voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%.
• Death in Service – 4 times salary
• Private health scheme – Non contributory

On the non-financial front, we provide a friendly, people focussed work environment with a stimulating and rewarding quality of work. We focus on continuous improvement and support those who wish to develop their skills and experience.