Laboratory Manager - Organics

ALS; Hawarden; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25–30 days

8 public holidays

Buy annual leave

Pension scheme

Car parking on-site

Perkbox membership

Learning/study support

Job summary

ALS in Hawarden, UK is seeking an Organics Laboratory Manager to lead the day-to-day Organics Team, ensuring high-quality analytical testing and timely delivery while developing people and improving processes.

You will deputise for the Department Manager when required, maintain ISO 17025 standards, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision making and robust SOP governance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable people leadership skills with performance management and coaching.
• Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 17025/UKAS requirements.
• Confident communicator who works effectively with teams, managers and Customer Services.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise resources to meet turnaround and service targets.
• Experience in driving improvements using data and root-cause thinking.
• Willing to comply with regulatory competencies (potable and other areas).

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and performance-manage a busy Organics Team to deliver productivity and on-time results while upholding analytical integrity.
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE requirements and ALS policies.
• Maintain UKAS/ISO 17025 standards through routine checks, audits and right-first-time discipline.
• Authorise and review SOPs and analytical methods for validity and robustness.
• Investigate issues and non-conformances, document outcomes, and drive timely corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Customer Services on technical queries and product quality matters.
• Own capability development: training plans, competence records and PDPs for the team.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and succession planning.
• Deliver continuous improvement and operational excellence with the OpEx team.
• Deputise for the Department Manager across H&S, Quality, HR and Production/Delivery as needed.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Planning & organising

Root cause analysis

Quality thinking

Regulatory compliance

Integrity & confidentiality

Education

HNC/HND (or equivalent) in a relevant subject

Job description

Hours: 37 hours per week

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

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.

The 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).
• 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.

How To Apply

Please apply online and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.