Laboratory Manager - Base Metals

ALS Inspection UK Limited; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive Salary

Private Healthcare

Discretionary annual bonus

Life Assurance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

6% employer pension

Free parking

Fully subsidised staff canteen

Job summary

ALS Laboratory in Prescot is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead the Base Metals section. You will oversee a small team, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and UKAS standards while driving continuous improvement.

The role requires a chemistry-related degree (or HNC/HND) and at least five years in laboratory operations with personnel responsibility. Strong training and development focus is expected.

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry or a related discipline (or an HNC/HND in Applied Chemistry).
• Minimum five years’ experience in laboratory operations and managing a small team.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality systems and related requirements.
• Experience leading, managing or developing people within a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop laboratory personnel, fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee departmental activities to ensure ISO 17025, UKAS, quality and safety compliance.
• Manage workflow, resources and performance to meet customer and business needs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for quality, productivity and efficiency.
• Provide training, competency assessments and development for department staff.

Skills

Lab management

Team leadership

Quality systems

ISO 17025 knowledge

Education

Chemistry degree

HNC/HND in Applied Chemistry

Tools

Analytical equipment

MS Office / Laboratory systems

Job description

Laboratory Manager - Base Metals

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

About the Role

Location: Prescot

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Shift/Hours: Monday to Friday (07:30 - 16:00)

Contract: Full Time & Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 15th September 2026

The Day to Day Lead, manage and develop laboratory personnel, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Oversee departmental activities to ensure compliance with ISO 17025, UKAS, quality, safety and company requirements. Manage workflow, operational priorities and departmental performance in line with customer and business needs. Allocate resources effectively to support safe, efficient and productive laboratory operations. Monitor performance and implement corrective actions where required. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, productivity, efficiency and operational effectiveness. Ensure appropriate training, competency assessment and development for all department personnel. Promote an exceptional quality culture across the department. Ensure the effective management of non-conformances, risks and opportunities for improvement. Support the use and maintenance of associated analytical equipment and laboratory systems.

The Essentials

• A degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry or a related scientific discipline; alternatively, an HNC/HND in Applied Chemistry or a related science subject.
• Experience of managing a small team within a laboratory environment.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in laboratory operations, including experience with associated analytical equipment.
• A working knowledge of quality systems and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Previous experience of leading, managing or developing people within a laboratory environment.
• Strong organisational and performance-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A positive attitude and a right-first-time mindset.
• Good manual dexterity and the ability to concentrate for extended periods.
• A willingness to learn and support the development of others.
• GCSE English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Basic proficiency in English and Maths.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft packages.
• An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities.

Our Benefits Include

• Attractive Salary
• Private Healthcare
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Life Assurance
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 6% employer pension
• Free parking
• Fully subsidised staff canteen

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities. Everyone Matters ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.