Head of Analytical Services

SUEZ; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

What will I be doing?

In this pivotal role, you will:

1. Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of analytical scientists working in a specialist laboratory focused on the energy from waste sector.
2. Lead and develop a specialist environmental and wastewater sampling operation with national coverage and P&L responsibility, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
3. Oversee the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant analytical and sampling services across multiple sites and clients.
4. Manage specialist sampling and laboratory operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards, health and safety regulations, and environmental policies.
5. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align specialist sampling and analytical services with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Support bidding activities and development projects in liaison with complementary UK business functions.
6. Monitor budgets, resource allocation, and performance metrics to optimize efficiency and service delivery.
7. Champion data integrity and quality assurance, maintaining accreditation standards and supporting audit processes.
8. Support strategic projects and contribute to the development of long-term analytical and sampling service strategies.
9. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your team and across the organization.
10. Focus on providing specialist sampling services to UK water utilities across AMP 8, UK GOV, Tier 1 Contractors, and Industrial clients.
11. Activities cover sampling across different water matrices and develop new market opportunities in areas such as PFAS, AMR, EDC, POPs, and microplastics.

What are the requirements?

We are looking for a confident leader with:

1. Proven experience managing nationwide water and wastewater sampling operations.
2. Proven experience managing and heading up analytical or scientific teams in a laboratory or technical environment.
3. Strong financial and P&L management and demonstrable experience.
4. Strong commercial and marketing know-how and demonstrable experience.
5. Strong knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory frameworks.
6. Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
7. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, resources, and operational performance effectively.
8. A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline is desired.
9. Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and talents.
10. A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
11. Flexibility to engage with multiple sites and stakeholders as required.

At SUEZ, your leadership will shape the future of analytical services, driving innovation and operational excellence that supports sustainable business growth. Join us and take your career to the next level by making a tangible difference in environmental and operational outcomes.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Apply now to lead a team that delivers critical insights and drives success.

Who we are

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK is a forward-thinking company recognized as one of the top places in the UK to work. We are proud of the fantastic opportunities for personal growth and development we offer our people. As we continue to develop and grow, you can play an important part in the essential work we are doing to make businesses and communities more sustainable.

With a raft of benefits, family-friendly policies, and excellent remuneration packages, there’s never been a better time to join SUEZ recycling and recovery UK. A friendly and supportive place that you will love to work in, we believe creativity, clear communication, and our drive for excellence are the keys to our success. If you share our thinking – and have the qualities we’re looking for – you could play a big part in our dedicated team.