Chemical Treatment Unit Supervisor

Reed Talent Solutions; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A law enforcement organisation in Hampshire is seeking a CTU Supervisor to lead the Chemical Treatment Unit, focusing on fingerprint enhancement and specialist forensic processes. You will provide operational leadership, assuring quality and regulatory compliance in a high‑demand environment.

The role is based in Southsea, Hampshire, permanent, with a salary banding of £40,383 to £42,612 (SO2) plus benefits. Travel to scenes across Hampshire may be required.

Qualifications

• Educated to QCF Level 4 in a scientific discipline or equivalent knowledge.
• Proven experience of managing people and delivering quality‑assured services.
• Experience handling large and complex workloads within demanding timescales.
• Full UK Driving Licence (Category B).

Responsibilities

• Managing and developing Chemical Treatment Unit staff and resources.
• Supervising the deployment of staff in laboratory and crime scene environments.
• Acting as the force's Single Point of Contact for specialist advice on forensic recovery techniques and submission strategies.
• Managing fingerprint and mark enhancement processes using specialist chemical treatments and equipment.
• Writing and maintaining policies, procedures, risk assessments and quality documentation.
• Managing COSHH compliance and wider health and safety responsibilities.
• Overseeing operational budgets, equipment procurement and supplier relationships.
• Quality checking forensic reports and statements for evidential purposes.

Skills

People management

Quality assurance

Forensic science knowledge

Attention to detail

Driving licence

Education

QCF Level 4 in a scientific discipline

Job description

A law enforcement organisation based in Hampshire is seeking an experienced and motivated Chemical Treatment Unit (CTU) Supervisor to lead our specialist forensic enhancement team.

This is a unique opportunity to manage a highly skilled unit responsible for the development and enhancement of fingerprints and other forensic marks using advanced chemical processes and specialist equipment. Your expertise will directly support criminal investigations, helping to identify offenders and deliver justice for victims.

As the CTU Supervisor, you will provide operational leadership, quality assurance and technical guidance across all aspects of the Chemical Treatment Unit while ensuring full compliance with forensic, health and safety, and accreditation standards.

The role is a permanent position based in Southsea, Hampshire and the role will be based in the office. The salary banding for the role is £40,383 to £42,612 (SO2) + excellent benefits.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and developing Chemical Treatment Unit staff and resources.
• Supervising the deployment of staff in both laboratory and crime scene environments.
• Acting as the force's Single Point of Contact for specialist advice on forensic recovery techniques and submission strategies.
• Managing fingerprint and mark enhancement processes using specialist chemical treatments and equipment.
• Writing and maintaining policies, procedures, risk assessments and quality documentation.
• Managing COSHH compliance and wider health and safety responsibilities.
• Overseeing operational budgets, equipment procurement and supplier relationships.
• Quality checking forensic reports and statements for evidential purposes.
• Working closely with technical and quality teams to maintain compliance with Forensic Science Regulator Codes and relevant ISO standards.

About You

We are looking for a confident leader with strong organisational skills and a passion for delivering high-quality forensic services.

Essential Requirements

• Educated to QCF Level 4 in a scientific discipline or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge through substantial relevant experience.
• Proven experience of managing people and delivering quality-assured services.
• Experience handling large and complex workloads within demanding timescales.
• Full UK Driving Licence (Category B).
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required level of police vetting.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work within strict procedural and evidential frameworks.

Additional Information

The role holder will be required to:

• Attend crime scenes and operational locations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
• Travel at short notice to meet operational requirements.
• Work occasional unsocial hours when required.
• Participate in mandatory eyesight testing.
• Provide fingerprints and DNA for elimination purposes in accordance with forensic standards.