Chemistry Laboratory Manager

SGS; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Private medical cover

Generous annual leave

Maternity/paternity pay

Job summary

SGS Middlesbrough is seeking an experienced Chemistry Laboratory Manager to take ownership of laboratory operations, balancing commercial performance with scientific excellence.

You will lead a team of chemists and analysts, ensure timely sample processing and reporting, and drive quality, safety, and client service while developing methods and improvements.

Compliance with UKAS/ISO 17025 and HSE procedures, and strong stakeholder management are essential for delivering reliable testing services.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or analytical chemistry with lab leadership experience.
• Hands-on experience with GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP instrumentation.
• Proven ability to lead large lab teams and manage performance.
• Experience in analytical testing and ISO 17025 / UKAS environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management in fast-paced labs.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations and ensure timely reporting.
• Drive performance, quality, and profitability of the lab.
• Coach and develop chemists and lab personnel.
• Provide technical leadership across analytical chemistry activities.
• Ensure compliance with UKAS, ISO 17025, and HSE procedures.
• Foster client relationships and resolve technical issues.
• Support method development and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical chemistry

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP

People management

Quality systems

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP

Job description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s Natural Resources business line powers the petrochemical, agriculture, mining, energy, and resource sectors with expert testing, inspection, and certification. From exploration to trade, SGS helps clients boost efficiency, stay compliant, and reduce risk—backed by cutting-edge labs, digital tools, and a global network.

• Job title:ChemistryLaboratory Manager
• Job Type: Permanent
• Location: Middlesbrough
• Salary: Highly competitive package on offer, includinga company car
• Hours: 37.5hours per week, Monday-Friday
• Industry:Various, including petrochemicals, environmental, minerals, biomass and more

Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

As Laboratory Manager, you'll take full ownership of laboratory operations, balancing commercial performance, technical excellence, and team leadership.

• Leading day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring samples are processed and reported on time.
• Driving performance, efficiency, quality, and profitability across the laboratory.
• Managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team of chemists, analysts, and laboratory personnel.
• Providing technical leadership across a range of analytical chemistry activities, ensuring the highest standards of scientific excellence.
• Overseeing the effective use, maintenance, and development of analytical instrumentation including GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP, and related techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation requirements, quality standards, and HSE procedures.
• Building strong relationships with clients, delivering excellent service and resolving technical or operational issues proactively.
• Supporting method development, process improvement, and innovation to enhance laboratory capabilities and service delivery.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, operational efficiencies, and business growth.

Qualifications

We're looking for an experienced laboratory leader who combines strong analytical chemistry expertise with proven people management skills.

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP.
• Proven experience leading larger laboratory teams, including performance management, coaching, succession planning, and resource management.
• Experience working within analytical testing, environmental, chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, or related laboratory environments.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality systems, UKAS accreditation, ISO 17025, and HSE requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused laboratory environment.

At SGS, you’ll be part of a global organisation known for quality, integrity, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical function within a well-established laboratory
• Make a real impact on service delivery, quality, and growth
• Develop your team and shape the future of the laboratory
• Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration

Additional Information

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• BUPA Private medical cover - Immediate cover from day 1
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.