Head Of Safety Products Testing (PPE)

Interaction Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Head of Safety Products Testing to lead a team in Kettering. This senior role involves managing testing laboratories for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring compliance with standards, and driving business growth. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills, a background in technical testing standards, and excellent communication abilities. Benefits include generous annual leave, life assurance, and flexible working hours.

Benefits

25-30 days annual leave

Life assurance

Group personal pension plan

Income protection

Free on-site parking

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Success in business development and meeting budgetary targets.
• Ability to communicate with senior industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the Safety Products Testing teams.
• Ensure full Health & Safety compliance across the department.
• Manage departmental financials including forecasting and accounting.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Business development

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Technical background in testing standards

Understanding complex testing standards

Strategic planning

Competent user of MS Office

Education

Recognised leadership or management qualification

Tools

MS Office, particularly Microsoft Excel

Job description

Head of Safety Products Testing

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum (DOE)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Interaction Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our esteemed Kettering based client for an experienced and driven Head of Safety Products Testing to lead and develop the Safety Products Testing function.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing accredited testing laboratories that assess the physical properties of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) against UK, European and International standards. The successful candidate will lead the team to exceed customer expectations, achieve commercial targets, and ensure compliance with quality and accreditation requirements while enhancing the organisation's reputation within the industry.

About the Role

As Head of Safety Products Testing, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating and inspiring the Safety Products Testing teams to deliver year-on-year growth in revenue and profitability
• Developing and maintaining a lean culture focused on continuous improvement
• Ensuring effective personal development plans are in place to support team progression and capability building
• Overseeing the timely completion of technical Spotlight and Bulletin articles
• Maintaining an appropriate UKAS scope and extending accreditation where required
• Ensuring full Health & Safety compliance across the department
• Day-to-day leadership, performance management, motivation and recruitment of team members
• Managing departmental financials including forecasting, expense allocation, purchasing and end-of-month accounting
• Driving sales growth and promoting Safety Products Testing services
• Attending trade fairs and visiting customers to support business development
• Remaining up-to-date with PPE legislation, testing standards and industry developments
• Ensuring all testing operations are conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and the organisation's quality management system
• Managing interventions, non-conformances and remedial actions when required
• Maintaining team involvement in National, European and International standards committees

About You

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrable success in business development and delivering against budgetary targets
• Ability to liaise, network and communicate effectively with senior industry stakeholders at an international level
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport at all organisational levels
• Confident delegator with a structured and organised approach to leadership
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Technical background with the ability to understand and interpret complex testing standards
• Strategic mindset with experience in departmental planning and development
• Willingness and ability to travel
• Competent user of MS Office, particularly Microsoft Excel

Desirable

• Experience within the PPE industry
• Recognised leadership or management qualification

Benefits

• 25-30 days annual leave (service related)
• Life assurance
• Group personal pension plan
• Income protection
• Free on-site parking
• Flexible working hours

Closing date for applications: 7th January 2026
Interview dates: On site in Kettering on 16th and 19th January 2026

Please apply today for immediate consideration