Characterisation Manager

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense in Bracknell is seeking an experienced Characterisation Manager to lead our busy operations team. You will coach and develop a high-performing team, oversee workflow, and ensure compliance with quality standards.

Strong leadership and operational knowledge in a laboratory setting are essential. The role offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for internal development within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Coach and support a team of 10-20 colleagues.
• Oversee workflow and resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain data integrity and support operational improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Performance Management

Operational Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

Cawood is the largest independent provider of analytical laboratory testing and sampling services for the land‑based industries in the UK. We are recruiting an experienced Characterisation Manager to lead our busy operations team at NRM Bracknell.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership
  • Coach, develop and support a team of 10‑20 colleagues to drive high performance and engagement.
  • Conduct regular 1:1s, feedback sessions, performance reviews and development planning.
  • Manage recruitment, onboarding and ongoing staff training, maintaining training records and competence documentation.
  • 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, ISO/IEC 17025 and other accreditation 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership matter.
• Opportunity to shape team culture and drive operational excellence.
• Training, development and internal progression opportunities.
• Pay and terms reflective of experience and on-site duties; flexible working arrangements including flextime, overtime and time‑off in lieu.
• The chance to be part of a respected organisation with a strong focus on quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Ready to apply? If you are an engaging leader with strong laboratory knowledge and a passion for driving people and performance, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of a team that values quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.