Laboratory Manager

Kiwa UK; Pontllanfraith; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global compliance organization in South Wales seeks a Laboratory Manager to lead a team and oversee operations. Responsibilities include P&L management and project oversight. Candidates should have extensive laboratory experience, technical knowledge in EMC and Safety, and exceptional leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working model, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Generous annual leave

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave

Company bonus scheme

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Eye care vouchers

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a laboratory-based role in a similar field.
• Technical understanding of EMC and Product Safety.
• Experience in budgeting and business planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the KEC site and oversee daily operations.
• Support the Business Unit Leader in achieving targets.
• Oversee forecasting, production planning, and resource management.

Skills

Laboratory management

Team leadership

P&L management

Customer relationship management

Operational management

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in a related field or equivalent industry experience

Job description

Job Summary

Join Kiwa Electrical Compliance (KEC) in South Wales as our Laboratory Manager and lead a talented team driving excellence across EMC, Safety, and Global Compliance services. In this hybrid role, you’ll take responsibility for site operations, performance, quality, and team leadership, while supporting the Business Unit Leader with P&L management and future growth initiatives.

About The Role

• Lead and manage the KEC site, overseeing daily operations across teams.
• Support the Business Unit Leader in achieving P&L targets and contribute to business unit planning, budgeting, and delivery.
• Oversee forecasting, production planning and resource management.
• Manage the business pipeline and sales activities in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships, providing exceptional service and support.
• Support the Business Unit Leader in maintaining relevant standards, QMS, and accreditations through UKAS approval.
• Lead multiple projects to time, budget, and scope, ensuring on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery and achievement of site targets.
• Foster a culture of technical expertise, safety, and outstanding customer service, acting as the face of KEC Wales and driving sustainable business growth.

Do you have what it takes?

• Degree in a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Extensive experience in a laboratory-based role in a similar field.
• Technical understanding of EMC, Product Safety and Global Compliance Technical Systems.
• Experience in budgeting, business planning, driving P&L performance.
• Strong understanding of the wider electrical testing market, UK compliance policy, and related manufacturing sectors.
• Skilled in operational management, including utilisation, OTIF, and profitability metrics.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent communication, problem solving and organisational skills.

What can you expect from us in return?

• Circa £55,000 per annum
• £5,880 Car Allowance
• Generous Annual Leave - Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy additional leave and increased entitlement with length of service
• 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday, hybrid role (3 days per week at the lab)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Family Leave - Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Milestone Rewards - paid and unpaid sabbaticals, charity donations, personal gifts, and retail vouchers
• Salary Reviews
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance - 4x your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Confidential support, advice, and counselling available 24/7, 365 days a year
• 24/7 GP Service - Access to medical advice anytime
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers - Supporting your health and well-being
• Welcome Pack - Filled with company-branded goodies to kickstart your journey with us

At Kiwa, we deliver results driven by our core values: Ambitious, Reliable, and Engaged the principles that guide how we work with colleagues, customers, and everyone we encounter. We are committed to fostering personal development, encouraging you to be ambitious, explore new ideas, and contribute to making the world a safer, more sustainable place. Here, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for growth and self-development.

As an equal opportunity employer, Kiwa celebrates diversity and is dedicated to building an inclusive, supportive workplace. We embrace flexibility in hiring talented individuals from all backgrounds globally, ensuring a work environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and intimidation. Inclusivity and equality are core to who we are, and we uphold these values without exception.

If you have any questions about this role and would like to speak a member of the Talent Team, please e-mail us at [e-mail].