Laboratory Manager - Organics

ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd; Hawarden; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Leave 25–30 days

Company Sick Pay

Car Parking on-site

Pension Plan

Learning support

Job summary

ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd in Hawarden is seeking an Organics Laboratory Manager to lead the Organics Team and ensure timely, high-quality analytical testing while developing people and improving processes.

You will drive safety, maintain ISO 17025/UKAS compliance, author and review SOPs, and deputise for the department manager as required. On-site role with 37 hours per week.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in a relevant subject or equivalent, with relevant lab experience.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025/UKAS requirements.
• Proven leadership and coaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a busy Organics Team to deliver on-time results.
• Ensure ISO 17025/UKAS compliance and ALS policies.
• Review and authorise SOPs and analytical methods as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement with the OpEx team and right-first-time discipline.
• Develop training plans and manage succession planning.

Skills

People leadership

ISO 17025 knowledge

Quality management

Data analysis

Education

HNC/HND in a relevant subject

Tools

MS Excel

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.

Overview Shape your future. At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. We want you to have the opportunity to create your own career pathway that will expand and develop your skills to grow a diverse and fulfilling career at ALS.

We’re looking for an Organics Laboratory Manager to lead the day‑to‑day running of the Organics Team delivering high‑quality analytical testing and/or logistics support to keep the lab performing at its best.

You’ll drive safe, compliant, on‑time delivery - while developing people, improving processes, and deputising for the Department Manager when needed.

Contract: Permanent Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Hawarden – On site

The day to day

• Lead, motivate and performance‑manage a busy team to deliver productivity and on‑time results without compromising analytical integrity
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture; ensure full compliance with HSE requirements and ALS policies
• Maintain UKAS/ISO 17025 standards in your area through routine checks, audits and right-first-time discipline
• Authorise/review SOPs and analytical methods to ensure they remain valid, robust and fit for purpose
• Investigate issues/nonconformances, ensure accurate documentation, and drive timely corrective actions
• Partner with Customer Services on technical queries and product quality matters to protect customer experience
• Own capability: training plans, competence records, coaching and PDPs to build a confident, flexible team
• Support recruitment, selection and onboarding to strengthen resourcing and succession
• Deliver continuous improvement and operational excellence, working with the OpEx team to embed better ways of working
• Deputise for the Department Manager across H&S, Quality, HR and Production/Delivery as required

Essentials

• HNC/HND (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and/or significant experience in a commercial testing laboratory
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025/UKAS requirements (MCERTS experience beneficial)
• Demonstrable people leadership skills (performance management, coaching, difficult conversations)
• Solid understanding of Quality Management Systems and a “do it right” mindset
• Confident communicator who can work effectively with teams, managers and Customer Services
• Proven ability to plan, prioritise and organise resources to meet turnaround and service targets
• Track record of driving improvements and solving problems using data and root-cause thinking
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality when handling technical and people matters
• Comfortable staying technically current in the area (expected <10% bench time)
• Willing and able to comply with the nine regulatory competencies (mandatory for Potable; required elsewhere)

Our benefits include:

• Annual Leave commencing at 25 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Ability to Buy annual leave.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
• ‘Celebrating Success’ Recognition Awards
• Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.
• Learning/study support
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Car Parking on-site

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.