Laboratory Manager

SGS UK Ltd; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Performance related bonus

Private medical cover

Pension

Annual leave

Job summary

SGS UK Ltd in Middlesbrough is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead a fast-paced, client-focused lab. You will oversee delivery of high-quality services across Oil, Gas, Chemicals & Environmental operations, balancing technical excellence with people leadership.

You’ll own daily operations, drive performance and profitability, coach a skilled team, ensure UKAS and HSE compliance, and build strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP).
• Proven experience leading and line managing larger laboratory teams, including performance management, development, and resource planning.
• Experience working within a laboratory or technical service environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong understanding of HSE requirements and quality management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring samples are processed and reported on time.
• Driving performance, efficiency, and profitability across the lab.
• Managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team.
• Ensuring compliance with quality standards, UKAS requirements, and HSE procedures.
• Building strong client relationships and resolving issues proactively.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth.

Skills

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP

People management

Quality systems

HSE compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

ISO 17025 familiarity

Job description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s Natural Resources business line powers the petrochemical, agriculture, mining, energy, and resource sectors with expert testing, inspection, and certification. From exploration to trade, SGS helps clients boost efficiency, stay compliant, and reduce risk—backed by cutting-edge labs, digital tools, and a global network.

• Job title: Laboratory Manager
• Job Type: Permanent
• Location: Middlesbrough
• Salary: Highly competitive package on offer, including a company car
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
• Industry: Various, including petrochemicals, environmental, minerals, biomass and more

Job Description

Are you ready to take the lead in a fast-paced, client-focused laboratory environment?

At SGS, we’re looking for an experienced and driven Laboratory Manager to oversee the delivery of high-quality laboratory services across our Oil, Gas, Chemicals & Environmental operations. This is a key leadership role where you’ll shape performance, develop people, and drive continuous improvement, all while ensuring exceptional service to our clients.

What you’ll be doing

As Laboratory Manager, you’ll take full ownership of laboratory operations, balancing commercial performance, technical excellence, and team leadership.

• Leading day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring samples are processed and reported on time
• Driving performance, efficiency, and profitability across the lab
• Managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team
• Ensuring compliance with quality standards, UKAS requirements, and HSE procedures
• Building strong client relationships and resolving issues proactively
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth

Qualifications

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced, confident, and capable leader who combines strong technical expertise with proven people management skills.

Essential

• Strong hands-on experience with analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP).
• Proven experience leading and line managing larger laboratory teams, including performance management, development, and resource planning.
• Experience working within a laboratory or technical service environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong understanding of HSE requirements and quality management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

Preferred

• Technical knowledge and experience within the petrochemical, oil & gas, fuels, or related environemntal industries.
• Experience working within ISO 17025 accredited laboratory environments.

At SGS, you’ll be part of a global organisation known for quality, integrity, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical function within a well-established laboratory
• Make a real impact on service delivery, quality, and growth
• Develop your team and shape the future of the laboratory
• Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration

Additional information

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• BUPA Private medical cover - Immediate cover from day 1
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Retailer Discounts
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law