Laboratory Operations Manager

VRS; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist provider of laboratory services is seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee financial performance, people development, and operational compliance at their Belfast location. This role involves leading laboratory teams to meet quality and turnaround expectations while maintaining ISO 17025 compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and experience managing P&Ls and driving continuous improvements. This is a hands-on leadership role crucial for shaping a high-performing business unit.

Qualifications

• Experience leading laboratory or technical service teams in regulated environments.
• Understanding of scientific workflows and customer expectations.
• Confident in managing P&L and performance improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations to meet safety and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation frameworks like ISO 17025.
• Manage budgets and staffing effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Job description

Our client is a specialist provider of laboratory services supporting high-volume testing, quality assurance, and scientific operations for organisations operating in regulated environments. To support the continued growth of the organisation we’re recruiting for a Laboratory Operations Manager to join their team in Belfast.

In this position you will hold full ownership of financial performance, people development, operational compliance, and continuous improvement within the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will shape strategy, optimise processes, and help translate customer needs into laboratory capability, ensuring testing operations meet expectations on quality, delivery, and commercial value.

Responsibilities

• Leading laboratory operations to meet safety, quality, and turnaround expectations
• Maintaining compliance with accreditation frameworks such as ISO 17025
• Managing budgets, P&L accountability, cost controls, and efficiency targets
• Overseeing staffing levels, training, recruitment, and performance management
• Working closely with customers to understand requirements and translate them into service delivery
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering an engaged, performance-focused culture
• Participating in governance, audits, operational reviews, and issue resolution

This is a hands‑on leadership role where visibility, communication and operational influence are key.

Qualifications

• Led laboratory or technical service teams in a regulated environment
• Understand scientific workflows, customer expectations, and accreditation-driven operations
• Confident managing P&Ls, KPIs, and performance improvement frameworks
• Ability to build strong relationships, solve problems proactively, and communicate clearly at all levels

If you are ready to drive operations and shape a high‑performing business unit, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to learn more about this unique opportunity!

Keyword Summary: Manager, Laboratory, Operations, Scientific, Leadership, ISO 17025, Quality Systems, Continuous Improvement, Testing Laboratory, People Management, Senior Site Role, Operational Excellence, Laboratory Services, Customer Engagement, P&L Ownership, VRS9224PC