Laboratory Manager - Running a lab where precision, people and purpose meet

Lucion Services Ltd; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory services provider is seeking a Laboratory Manager in Gateshead to lead a team and ensure high operational standards. You will oversee laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards, manage resources effectively, and drive performance improvements. The ideal candidate will have experience in asbestos testing and a strong technical background in chemistry. This role offers autonomy and the chance to make a significant impact on the laboratory's success.

Qualifications

• Experience in asbestos testing or chemistry laboratory operations.
• Proven experience managing teams.
• Strong knowledge of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
• Hands-on experience with UKAS accreditation and audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of lab technicians and analysts.
• Ensure compliance with UKAS standards.
• Manage daily workflows and sample analysis.
• Monitor budgets and resources for the lab.
• Conduct UKAS audits confidently.

Skills

Leadership skills

Understanding of ISO 17025

Chemistry knowledge

Budget management

Asbestos testing experience

Team management

Job description

🧪 Laboratory Manager

Gateshead | Running a lab where precision, people and purpose meet

Do you thrive in a fast-paced lab where accuracy matters, standards are high, and no two days look the same? Are you the kind of leader who knows their ISO from their UKAS, can spot a bottleneck a mile off, and still makes time to develop their team?

Then welcome — this one’s for you.

🔬 The Role

As our Laboratory Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our Gateshead laboratory, keeping everything running smoothly, safely and efficiently. You’ll lead a talented team of analysts and technicians, maintain UKAS‑accredited standards, and drive continuous improvement across quality, service and technical capability.

This is a hands‑on leadership role with real influence — perfect for someone who enjoys balancing people management, technical excellence and operational performance.

🧠 What You’ll Be Doing (aka : Running the Lab Like a Pro)

• Leading a team of 10+ lab legends, keeping morale high, standards higher, and safety non‑negotiable
• Being the calm, capable force behind a UKAS‑accredited operation — ISO 17025 and LAB 30 are basically your second language
• Orchestrating the daily flow of samples, workflows and analysis so everything runs smoothly (and on time)
• Making sure results land where they should, when they should — hitting OTD targets without cutting corners
• Keeping a close eye on budgets, consumables and kit, ensuring the lab is well‑stocked, well‑equipped and well‑run
• Training, authorising and developing your team — spotting potential, building confidence and growing capability
• Leading UKAS audits with confidence (and minimal stress), keeping compliance tight and documentation spotless
• Making sure the lab shines in RICE, AIMS, AISS, SEMS and other proficiency testing schemes
• Driving innovation by improving methods, upgrading capability and championing smarter ways of working
• Interpreting analytical data and translating numbers into meaningful, trusted results
• Acting as the lab’s technical north star — mentoring chemists and analysts, and setting the gold standard for safety and quality

🧩 About You

You’re a confident, people‑focused leader with a strong technical background and a passion for doing things properly — and better every time.

You’ll bring :

• Experience in asbestos testing or chemistry laboratory operations
• Proven experience managing teams
• A solid understanding of ISO 17025, LAB 30 or equivalent quality systems
• A track record of improving laboratory performance and customer service
• Experience managing budgets, resources and laboratory operations
• Competence in BOHS proficiency modules
• Strong knowledge of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
• Hands‑on experience with UKAS accreditation and audit processes

🌟 Why Join Us?

Because this is more than managing a lab — it’s shaping how it operates, how it grows, and how people succeed within it. You’ll have the autonomy to make improvements, the support to lead confidently, and the chance to make a real impact from our Gateshead base.

Plus, we believe laboratories should be places where high standards and great teamwork go hand in hand.