Industrial Materials – Section Leader

Shirley Technologies Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Technologies Limited in Manchester invites applications for an experienced Section Leader to join our Industrial Materials Laboratory, specialising in geosynthetic materials and waterproof membranes. You will coordinate daily workloads, supervise Laboratory Technicians, and oversee mechanical, hydraulic and durability tests to meet industry standards and customer requirements.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, you will develop competency in testing methods, maintain ISO/IEC 17025

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Textiles, Mathematics, Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs.
• Ability to interpret BS EN/ISO/ASTM/AS testing standards.
• Proven leadership of laboratory staff.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily workloads, testing schedules and priorities.
• Perform and supervise mechanical, hydraulic and durability testing of geotextiles, geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners and roofing membranes.
• Develop competency in all relevant tests, product applications and testing standards.
• Supervise, train and support Laboratory Technicians, promoting safe and effective working practices.
• Support the transfer of durability testing activities between laboratory sites, including learning and training others in new test methods.
• Review test results, liaise with report writers and respond to technical customer enquiries.
• Conduct technical contract reviews to confirm testing requirements and laboratory capability.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, quality systems and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Support customer relationships and contribute to continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory testing

Quality systems

Communication

Time management

Education

Science/Engineering degree

Tools

Laboratory testing standards

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Section Leader to join our Industrial Materials Laboratory in Manchester, specialising in the testing of geosynthetic materials and waterproof membranes. Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, you will coordinate daily laboratory activities, supervise and train Laboratory Technicians, and carry out mechanical, hydraulic and durability testing to ensure results meet relevant industry standards and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily workloads, testing schedules and priorities to ensure work is completed accurately and on time.
• Perform and supervise mechanical, hydraulic and durability testing of geotextiles, geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners and roofing membranes.
• Develop competency in all relevant tests, product applications and testing standards.
• Supervise, train and support Laboratory Technicians, promoting safe and effective working practices.
• Support the transfer of durability testing activities between laboratory sites, including learning and training others in new test methods.
• Review test results, liaise with report writers and respond to technical customer enquiries.
• Conduct technical contract reviews to confirm testing requirements and laboratory capability.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, quality systems and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Support customer relationships and contribute to continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Skills and Experience Required

• A degree in Science, Textiles, Mathematics, Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience of laboratory testing and quality systems within an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.
• Ability to interpret and apply BS EN, ISO, ASTM and AS testing standards.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to supervise, train and support laboratory staff.
• Excellent organisational, time management and workload prioritisation skills.
• Strong numeracy, computer literacy, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with customers.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail, with a consistent approach to following procedures and maintaining quality standards.
• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

General Requirements

This is a hands-on laboratory role in which work can be repetitive and physically messy. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in this environment, supporting the wider team and progressing testing efficiently without compromising accuracy, safety or quality. Experience in a safety-critical industry would be beneficial.