Characterisation Manager

Cawood; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cawood is looking for an experienced Characterisation Manager to lead the Bracknell operations team. You will oversee daily lab activities, ensure safe and compliant operations, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining high quality and service.

You will manage a 10–20 person team in a fast-paced laboratory environment, partnering with technical and commercial teams to deliver exceptional results and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a laboratory setting.
• Strong understanding of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and coaching skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 10–20 to high performance.
• Oversee workflow, resource planning, and scheduling to meet turnaround times.
• Ensure compliance with UKAS, ISO/IEC 17025, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with Customer Services, Business Development and Technical Services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Prioritisation

Tools

LIMS

EBOS

Job description

Job Description

Cawood is the largest independent provider of analytical laboratory testing and sampling services for the land-based industries in the UK. With 15 sites around the country specialising in different types of analysis, we are always looking for skilled and talented individuals to join our teams.

This is an exciting time to join Cawood. The business is growing and there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to work hard, have fun and be part of our success.

We are looking for an experienced and people‑focused Characterisation Manager to lead our busy operations team at NRM Bracknell. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast‑paced laboratory environment and is passionate about driving performance, engagement, and continuous improvement. As the Characterisation Manager Receipt Manager, you will oversee a team of 10–20 colleagues, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient day‑to‑day operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

What You’ll Be Doing

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop your team to drive high performance and engagement
• Conduct regular 1:1s, feedback sessions, performance reviews, and development planning
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff training
• Ensure training records, competence, and performance standards are fully maintained
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture aligned with our values and People Leader expectations

Operational Delivery

• Oversee workflow, resource planning, and staff allocation to meet turnaround times
• Ensure all processes, equipment, and documentation meet UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025 standards
• Troubleshoot technical issues and support method development alongside the Technical Team
• Maintain data integrity, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement using EBOS tools
• Support implementation and effective use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Customer Services, Business Development and Technical Services
• Support client meetings and maintain excellent customer relationships
• Communicate operational updates clearly and professionally across teams

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, SOPs, and accreditation requirements
• Oversee non‑conforming work investigations and corrective actions
• Maintain a safe, clean, audit‑ready laboratory environment
• Act as Fire Marshal, First Aider, Internal Auditor or Key Holder when required

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Strong understanding of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements
• Experience working in a laboratory environment with good operational knowledge
• Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail
• Self‑motivated, collaborative, and confident in driving team performance
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to influence and motivate others

Desirable

• Experience within a UKAS‑accredited laboratory
• Knowledge of food/feed or chemistry‑based laboratory techniques

Why Join Us?

• A key leadership role within a respected and growing organisation
• Opportunity to shape team culture and drive operational excellence
• Training, development, and internal progression opportunities
• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership matter