Laboratory Programme Lead

Fugro Roadware; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Fugro in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK is seeking a Laboratory Programme Lead to deliver complex laboratory testing programmes for major infrastructure and environmental projects. You will lead a team, drive operational excellence and ensure high-quality results while maintaining safety and regulatory standards.

Reporting to the Regional Director/Laboratory Manager, you will govern planning, manage risks, and support business development through tenders and invoicing, fostering a data-driven,

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in programme/project management.
• Experience leading a laboratory programme or commercial laboratory operation with end-to-end accountability.
• Proven experience leading project delivery in complex, high-throughput, or regulated environments.
• Experience managing and developing teams, driving performance and workforce planning.
• Strong planning, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Laboratory Programme Management team to create an inclusive, high-performing environment.
• Own the laboratory planning and programme management framework with governance, resource planning and schedule control.
• Oversee laboratory testing schedules, manage risks and delivery challenges to improve predictability and on-time performance.
• Act as escalation point for programme issues balancing quality, cost and timelines.
• Build relationships with clients, project teams and stakeholders with clear communication and service excellence.
• Support tenders, proposals, and invoicing to deliver value to clients and the business.
• Drive continuous improvement by monitoring KPIs and implementing efficient ways of working.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Job Description

Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK

Working Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, primarily site-based with flexibility where business needs allow. Occasional travel to other laboratory locations may be required.

At Fugro, we unlock insights from the Earth to help our clients design, build and operate their assets safely, sustainably and efficiently. As our Laboratory Programme Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of laboratory testing programmes that support major infrastructure, energy and environmental projects around the world. Reporting to the Regional Director/Laboratory Manager, you'll lead a team of programme professionals, drive operational excellence and ensure that complex testing schedules are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who enjoys bringing people, processes and data together to achieve outstanding results in a fast-paced and purpose-driven environment.

Your role and responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Laboratory Programme Management team, creating an inclusive, high-performing environment where people can grow, collaborate and succeed.
• Own the laboratory planning and programme management framework, ensuring effective governance, resource planning and schedule control across testing programmes.
• Provide oversight of laboratory testing schedules, proactively managing risks, dependencies and delivery challenges to improve predictability and on-time performance.
• Act as the key escalation point for programme issues, balancing quality, cost, timelines and stakeholder expectations to achieve the best outcomes.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, project teams and laboratory stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and excellent service throughout programme delivery.
• Support commercial activities including tenders, proposals, programme financial administration and invoicing, helping to deliver value for both clients and the business.
• Drive continuous improvement by monitoring programme performance, analysing KPIs and implementing smarter ways of working across the laboratory function.

What you'll need to thrive in this role

Essential:

• Degree-level qualification, or equivalent professional experience, in programme management, project management or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience leading a laboratory programme or commercial laboratory operation, with accountability for end-to-end commercial coordination, client success, profitability, and the delivery of predictable, client-focused laboratory services.
• Proven experience leading project delivery within a complex, high-throughput or regulated environment.
• Experience managing and developing teams, with a track record of driving performance, workforce planning and continuous improvement.
• Strong planning, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in a dynamic operational environment.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with clients, operational teams and senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory or similar regulated environment.
• APM PMQ, PMI PMP or equivalent project/programme management certification.
• Knowledge of geotechnical, geophysical or related laboratory operations.

About Us

Who we are

Do you want to join our Geo-data revolution? Fugro's global reach and unique know-how will put the world at your fingertips. Our love of exploration and technical expertise help us to provide our clients with invaluable insights. We source and make sense of the most relevant Geo-data for their needs, so they can design, build and operate their assets more safely, sustainably and efficiently. But we're always looking for new talent to take the next step with us. For bright minds who enjoy meaningful work and want to push our pioneering spirit further. For individuals who can take the initiative but work well within a team.

What we offer

Fugro provides a positive work environment as well as projects that will satisfy the most curious minds. We also offer great opportunities to stretch and develop yourself. By giving you the freedom to grow faster, we think you'll be able to do what you do best, better. Which should help us to find fresh ways to get to know the earth better. We encourage you to be yourself at Fugro. So, bring your energy and enthusiasm, your keen eye and can-do attitude. But bring your questions and opinions too. Because to be the world's leading Geo-data specialist, we need the strength in depth that comes from a diverse, driven team.

Our view on diversity, equity and inclusion

At Fugro, our people are our superpower. Their variety of viewpoints, experiences, knowledge and talents give us collective strength. Distinctive beliefs and diverse backgrounds are therefore welcome, but discrimination, harassment, inappropriate behaviour and unfair treatment are