Lead Laboratory Programme Manager

Fugro; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global data specialist based in Wallingford is seeking a Lead Laboratory Programme Manager to oversee laboratory testing programmes and ensure timely delivery. The successful candidate will manage a programme management team, drive continuous improvement, and act as the primary point of contact for clients on complex projects. Applicants should have a relevant degree, proven experience in project management, and excellent communication skills. This full-time hybrid role offers competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Contributory pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Flexible working hours

Discounted gym membership

Electric car scheme

Qualifications

• Solid relevant experience managing small to medium teams.
• Proficient in English and experienced with project management software.
• Willingness to travel between laboratory sites occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee laboratory testing programmes and schedules.
• Act as primary escalation and client contact for larger testing programmes.
• Develop programme risk and performance plans.
• Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Provide people leadership and foster a safe performance culture.
• Support commercial activity including tenders and proposals.

Skills

Planning and programme management

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate qualification in project/programme management, engineering, science

Tools

MS Project or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Be part of a team that turns data into decisions and delivers essential testing for projects that protect people, assets and the environment. Fugro is looking for a passionate, confident and friendly Lead Laboratory Programme Manager to control and coordinate laboratory testing programmes across our EUAF laboratory network. You’ll lead a programme management team, be the escalation point for complex projects and ensure testing is delivered on time, on budget and to our QHSSE standards. Reporting to the Regional Planning and Performance Lead, you’ll work closely with project teams, technical leads and clients on diverse geotechnical and environmental programmes that directly influence project outcomes and client confidence. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week) offered as a hybrid position based at a Fugro laboratory with regular on-site attendance and occasional travel between laboratory sites.

Your role and responsibilities

• Lead and oversee laboratory testing programmes and schedules across projects, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines and quality standards.
• Act as primary escalation and client contact for larger or complex testing programmes; coordinate status reporting and change communication to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and own programme risk and performance plans; identify, mitigate and track risks and delays, and implement contingency plans including third-party lab use when required.
• Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes to improve timeliness, cost control and service quality across laboratories.
• Provide people leadership to the programme team: set governance, clarify roles, foster a safe and high-performance culture, and coach team members to deliver their best.
• Support commercial activity: contribute to tenders and proposals that include laboratory testing programmes and ensure accurate financial administration and invoicing of testing scopes.
• Represent the programme team at audits (including UKAS) and support QHSSE expectations through active leadership and participation in safety initiatives.

What you’ll need to thrive in this role

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate qualification in project/programme management, engineering, science or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Solid relevant experience with proven expertise in project/programme management experience managing small to medium teams.
• Skills: Advanced planning and programme management capability; excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; strong problem-solving and commercial awareness.
• Tools & language: Proficient in English and experienced with project management software (MS Project or equivalent).
• Availability: Willingness to travel between Fugro laboratory sites occasionally.

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 not. Everybody is to be well-supported and treated fairly. And everyone must be valued and have their voice heard. Crucially, we believe that getting this right brings a sense of belonging, of safety and acceptance, that makes us feel more connected to Fugro’s purpose ‘together we create a safe and liveable world’ – and to each other.

Benefits of joining our team

• Extensive career & training opportunities both nationally and internationally.
• Competitive salary
• Contributory pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Health cash plan
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Flexible working hours and the potential to work 2 days a week from home in accordance with your manager and corporate policies.
• Electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts platform
• The Fugro Card (pre-paid virtual visa card, which earns cash back automatically when money is spent at any participating retailers)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Long service awards
• Fugro values awards
• Employee referral bonus scheme

Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated .