Chemistry Laboratory Manager

SGS; Thirsk; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance related bonus

BUPA Private medical cover

Competitive pension scheme

Generous Annual Leave + bank holidays

Retailer Discounts

Enhanced parental pay

Job summary

SGS laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Manager to own operations and lead a high-performing team of chemists and analysts. You will balance commercial performance with scientific excellence, driving efficiency, quality, and client service across analytical chemistry activities.

Responsibilities include overseeing GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP instrumentation, ensuring UKAS/ISO 17025 and HSE compliance, and fostering innovation in method development and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with analytical lab techniques and instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP).
• Proven experience leading larger laboratory teams with performance management and resource planning.
• Experience in analytical testing environments (chemical/oil & gas or related).
• Strong understanding of lab quality systems, UKAS accreditation, ISO 17025 and HSE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations and ensure timely sample processing and reporting.
• Drive performance, efficiency, quality and profitability of the lab.
• Coach, develop and manage a high-performing team of chemists and analysts.
• Provide technical leadership across analytical chemistry activities and uphold scientific standards.
• Oversee use, maintenance and development of instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP).
• Ensure compliance with UKAS, ISO 17025 and HSE procedures.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver excellent service.
• Support method development, process improvement and innovation to enhance capabilities.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth.

Skills

Lab leadership

People development

Stakeholder mgmt

Analytical chemistry

Education

BSc in Chemistry

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP

Job description

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.

Essential

• 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.

Company 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.

Additional Information

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• BUPA Private medical cover - Immediate cover from day 1
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Retailer Discounts
• 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.

Summary

• Summary Type: Full-time
• Function: Science
• Experience level: Associate
• Industry: Oil And Energy