Laboratory & Testing Manager

BAE Systems; Penperlleni; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Laboratory and Testing Manager in Penperlleni, Wales. The role involves leading and optimizing laboratory testing capabilities while ensuring safety and quality standards. You will manage a team of Chemists and Lab Technicians, develop SOPs, and liaise with safety teams. A background in a laboratory environment, alongside a science degree or equivalent, is required. This position offers a competitive benefits package, including pension schemes and health benefits.

Benefits

Employee share plans

Flexible health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits

Pension scheme

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Proven experience within a laboratory or testing environment.
• NEBOSH certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is desirable.
• Experience managing people is a plus.
• Experience working within a regulated or hazardous environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of a laboratory.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures and training materials.
• Liaise with safety and engineering teams to maintain a Safe System of Work.
• Recruit and manage a team of Chemists and Lab Technicians.
• Oversee laboratory scheduling for accurate results.

Skills

Laboratory management

Team mentoring

HPLC

GC

Analytical chemistry

Education

Science degree, HND or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Supporting the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of a laboratory and testing capability for explosive and inert materials
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures and training materials for laboratory operations
• Liaising with the site safety and process engineering teams to develop and maintain a Safe System of Work
• Recruiting, managing and mentoring a team of Chemists and Lab Technicians, ensuring the appropriate level of competency is established to ensure testing processes are carried out in a safe manner
• Ensuring information is accurately recorded and managed securely in line with mandated procedures
• Overseeing running and scheduling of laboratory to deliver accurate results, efficiently and in line with project demands
• Maintaining required quality standards and supporting quality audits as required
• Supporting the wider project engineering team with technical advice and problem solving
• As the Laboratory and Testing Manager, you will lead the design, optimisation, running and continuous improvement of laboratory testing capabilities. You'll apply deep technical expertise and problem‑solving skills to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety while driving innovation as part of a multidisciplinary team. This role requires strong analytical capability, hands‑on experience in testing, and the ability to lead a team of scientists. The position will be based at the BAE Systems Land UK site in Glascoed, Monmouthshire on a four‑day working pattern. Initially there may be regular travel to customers and supplier sites during the set‑up phase, reducing to occasional once the capability is up and running.

Science degree, HND or equivalent

Qualifications

• Proven experience within a laboratory or testing environment

Desirable Qualifications

• NEBOSH certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
• Experience managing people
• Analytical and wet chemistry experience including HPLC and GC
• Experience working within a regulated or hazardous environment

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.