Laboratory Manager

JR United Kingdom; Leicester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

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7:30am to 4:15pm Monday to Thursday and 7:30am to 12pm Friday

Our client, a well-established component manufacturer, is seeking a Laboratory Manager to join and lead its small lab department in Leicester (responsible for a team of two Laboratory Technicians). You will be key in ensuring metallurgical compliance across production, testing, and quality functions.

Key Requirements for Laboratory Manager role:

• Degree (or HNC/HND) qualified in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a metallurgical or materials testing lab (manufacturing, foundry, automotive, aerospace experience is advantageous).
• At least five years’ experience in a metallurgical laboratory within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing or supervising technical staff.
• Familiarity with forging, machining, and heat treatment processes relevant to critical component manufacturing.
• Proficient in metallographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, and mechanical property verification.
• Strong communication, organisational, and technical reporting skills.

Key Responsibilities for Laboratory Manager:

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the metallurgical laboratory, including workload planning, testing, and documentation.
• Supervise and support two laboratory technicians, ensuring safe and efficient lab practices.
• Carry out and oversee metallurgical examinations including microstructure analysis, grain size, inclusion ratings, phase identification, and case depth measurements.
• Perform hardness testing and evaluate coating thickness, heat treatment results, and mechanical properties as required.
• Lead failure investigations using microscopy and other techniques, producing clear, detailed reports for internal and customer use.
• Ensure all laboratory activities meet relevant standards and specifications.
• Maintain all lab equipment, ensuring calibration, traceability, and audit readiness.
• Review material certification and support part qualification activities including FAIRs and customer approvals.
• Participate in internal and external audits, including Metallography and Hardness Testing assessments.
• Liaise with engineering, production, and quality teams to address metallurgical issues and support process improvements.

Other:

• Company performance related bonus scheme.
• Increased pension schemes.
• Onsite and secure parking.
• Other company perks provided.

Please note that full and permanent right to work in the UK is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. This employer is unable to offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Embracing diversity in all its forms, our client is an equal opportunity employer. They welcome individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.

By applying through Green Folk Recruitment, you consent to share your information with our client for recruitment purposes. We handle your data with care, aligning with our privacy policy for recruitment-related activities. Please be informed that all final hiring decisions rest solely with our client. Should you have any inquiries, kindly direct them to Green Folk Recruitment for a transparent and streamlined recruitment experience. Green Folk Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.