Laboratory Section Head

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is seeking a Laboratory Section Head for the Environmental Chemistry team in Bretby. You will lead and manage the department, ensure UKAS laboratory standards, and drive performance across staff, equipment and methods.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a chemistry background, strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate with development teams. You’ll own budgets, coordinate validations for new instruments, and contribute to delivering accurate

Qualifications

• Experience leading analytical teams and ensuring compliance.
• Background in Chemistry, terminology and lab processes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve staff, equipment, systems and procedures to company standards.
• Own and manage the budget for the department and control costs.
• Coordinate operational validation activities with lab and development teams for new instruments and methods.

Skills

Staff leadership

UKAS laboratory

Analytical management

Education

Chemistry degree or related subject

Equivalent lab experience

Job description

• Business Unit: Environmental Chemistry

Company Description

About Environmental Science

SOCOTEC’s Environmental Science team delivers independent, UKAS accredited environmental testing and scientific analysis that supports safer, more sustainable decisions across sectors including construction, infrastructure, energy, marine and manufacturing. Our experts provide high quality environmental chemistry, soil, water and waste testing, advanced chemical analysis, low level radiochemistry, marine sediment and oils testing, environmental forensics and accredited asbestos analysis. Using industry leading laboratory methods and a data driven approach, we help clients understand environmental quality, assess contamination risks and comply with regulatory standards, contributing to environmental protection and public health.

What's in it for you?

Your expertise deserves recognition. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more), employee recognition programmes, family-friendly support, exclusive retail discounts, employee assistance programmes, and an enhanced company pension. SOCOTEC UK & Ireland are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.

Job Description

Laboratory Section Head - Bretby

Are you interested in Environmental Science? This could be your opportunity to excel as a Laboratory Section Head, playing a vital role in supporting SOCOTEC’s continued success.

As SOCOTEC grows, so do our teams. We’re looking for a dedicatedLaboratory Section Headto join our Environmental Chemistry team and wear the SOCOTEC badge with pride.

We are seeking a proactive, reliable, and flexibleLaboratory Section Headto join our chemistry team and lead and be accountable for the performance and organisation of the relevant department. In this role, you’ll need the confidence to work independently, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team. A background in Science, along with knowledge of managing in a UKAS laboratory, is essential to thrive in this position.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

• Maintain, monitor and continuously improve the performance ofstaff, equipment, systems and procedures to company standards.
• To own and manage the budget expectations for the relevantdepartment and to control costs
• Be the key link between the lab & development teams tocoordinate all operational validation activities on new instruments,equipment and methods effectively and within the timescalesexpected.

Qualifications

To be a successful Laboratory Section Head, you should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in management of analytical teams with ideally anILM or equivalent qualification
• Qualified to at least degree level in Chemistry or a relatedsubject and a thorough understanding of Chemistry andLaboratory terminologies and processes (Or equivalentexperience gained in chemistry Lab)
• Thrives in a busy, customer focussed, production environment

Additional Information

Why SOCOTEC?

Join a thriving community of over 2,000 industry professionals who are passionate about making a real difference. At SOCOTEC UK, we're not just delivering services - we're shaping the future of testing, inspection, and certification across the nation.

What sets us apart? Our people. We've built our reputation on attracting exceptional talent like you and empowering them to deliver excellence at every turn. Our comprehensive range of TIC services means you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects that truly matter.

In this role, you won't just be another employee - you'll be a key player in our continued success story. Your expertise will directly contribute to our mission of building a safer, more sustainable world, while you grow your career alongside some of the industry's finest professionals.

Build a traditional career path or explore opportunities across multiple disciplines - all within SOCOTEC. Your choice, your direction.

Work Your Way

Local, national, or global projects. Office-based, remote, or hybrid. We offer the flexibility that empowers you to perform at your best.

Committed to Your Growth

From day one, you'll have access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs. We support every step of your professional journey. #YouGrowWeGrow

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