Head of Chemistry

Alpha Scientific; Slough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory testing company in Slough is seeking a Head of Chemistry to oversee and manage Chemistry Laboratories. This role involves ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, leading a high-performing team, and supporting growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will have laboratory leadership experience, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of UKAS requirements. Competitive benefits include a matched pension contribution and private health scheme.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Pension contribution matched up to 8%

Life Assurance 3x base salary

Private health scheme

Genuit sharesave scheme

Qualifications

• Qualification to Degree or higher and laboratory leadership experience.
• Experience leading Chemistry laboratory operations and projects, budgets and client KPIs.
• Results orientated, flexible, role model of our Trademark Behaviours.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the team.
• Act as the subject matter expert in Chemistry.
• Oversee departmental budget and workforce planning.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Communication skills

Understanding of UKAS requirements

Team motivation

IT literacy

Education

Degree or higher qualification

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Alpha Scientific is at the forefront of chemical and microbiological testing, reliably providing organisations with detailed analysis of water and air quality.

We are a team of highly skilled and trained scientists who work from purpose-built, UKAS accredited laboratories in Sittingbourne, Slough and Manchester.

Now part of the Genuit Groups’ Climate Management Solutions (CMS) business unit, Alpha has ambitious growth plans.

The Role

The Head of Chemistry plays a key role within the Alpha Scientific senior management team, overseeing the strategic and operational management of our Chemistry Laboratories. This includes ensuring compliance with health and safety, quality standards, meeting service level agreements and supporting opportunities for growth.

In addition to technical oversight, the Head of Chemistry is responsible for leading and developing a high-performing team. They foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, ensuring that colleagues are motivated, well-supported, and aligned with the company’s goals. Through effective people management, the Head of Chemistry ensures the department remains agile to support our growth ambitions and responsive to an evolving industry.

Responsibilities

Leading and championing Quality and Health & Safety.

• Provide leadership and direction to the team, leading by example and role modelling our Trademark behaviours.
• Technical and scientific lead for Chemistry within Alpha and act as the subject matter expert Chemistry providing guidance on testing services and customer queries
• Supporting business development by identifying and developing new methods, service and validations to ensure a competitive and innovative offering to market.
• Oversee departmental budget, workforce planning, and supplier negotiations. Ensure resources are allocated to support both operational efficiency and strategic growth.
• Ensure all laboratories consistently meet service level agreements and performance targets. Regularly review lab outputs in line with customer expectations and evolving business requirements.

The Person

• Qualification to Degree or higher and laboratory leadership experience.
• Experience leading Chemistry laboratory operations and projects, budgets and client KPIs
• To have excellent communication skills, and to be confident when dealing with external stakeholders
• In depth understanding of UKAS requirements, with proven track record of delivery against ISO 17025 standard
• To be able to motivate others, work well in a team, with an open, honest and approachable character.
• To be able to work within set targets and goals and be able to manage expectations.
• IT literate with experience and understanding of LIMS and databases. Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Results orientated, flexible, role model of our Trademark Behaviours

The Benefits

• 25 days holiday
• Pension contribution matched up to 8%
• Life Assurance 3x base salary
• Private health scheme
• Genuit sharesave scheme