Laboratory Manager - Base Metals

alsglobal; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Discretionary bonus

Life assurance

Pension

Holiday allowance

Free parking

Staff canteen

Job summary

ALS is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the Base Metals department in Prescot. You will oversee operations, develop people and drive a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement in a laboratory that operates to ISO 17025 and UKAS standards.

You will manage workflow, allocate resources, monitor performance and implement corrective actions, while ensuring training and competency development for all staff.

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry or a related science.
• Experience managing a small team in a laboratory.
• Minimum five years in laboratory operations with analytical equipment.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 quality systems and UKAS requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, develop people and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop laboratory personnel to foster accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee activities to ensure ISO 17025, UKAS and safety compliance.
• Manage workflow, priorities and departmental performance to meet customer needs.
• Allocate resources to support safe, efficient operations.
• Monitor performance and implement corrective actions; drive improvement initiatives.
• Ensure training, competency assessment and development for all staff.

Skills

Lab management

People development

Quality systems

ISO 17025 knowledge

Organisational skills

Education

Chemistry degree

HNC/HND Applied Chemistry

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

Microsoft packages

Job description

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.

Laboratory Manager - Base Metals

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Laboratory Manager for our Base Metals department to join our team in Prescot. This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and forward-thinking laboratory professional to lead departmental operations, develop people and drive a strong culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement. You will play a key role in ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently and in accordance with ISO 17025, UKAS and company requirements.

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.
• E xperience 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.