Sampling Operations Manager

Anglian Water; Huntingdon; On-site; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company based in Huntingdon is seeking a Sampling Operations Manager to lead a multi-disciplinary team to ensure high-quality sampling services. The successful candidate will manage operations, oversee compliance with ISO standards, and foster a culture of innovation while driving team engagement. Key responsibilities include budget management, continuous improvement, and leading field-based teams. A scientific degree is required, with leadership experience preferred. The role offers a competitive salary and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Private healthcare

Annual bonus scheme

Community volunteering opportunities

26 days holiday

Life cover

Flexible benefits

Paid time off for illness

Free parking

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Chartered status desirable.
• Experience in laboratory and quality systems.
• Knowledge of water/environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop field-based sampling teams safely.
• Manage budgets and financial targets.
• Oversee sampling methodologies and capital investment.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and audit outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement and performance management.
• Maintain equipment and manage supplier contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic skills

Tactical skills

Collaboration

Innovation

Education

Scientific degree or equivalent

Job description

Sampling Operations Manager

Circa £61,000 dependent on skills & experience

Permanent, full time (37 hours) with flexibility for part time

Huntingdon

Make every drop of your potential count. Join our team!

The Sampling Operations Manager leads a large, multi-disciplinary team, ensuring the safe provision of a robust, agile, and high-quality sampling service. You will manage operations to deliver routine and emergency support, drive efficiency, and maintain compliance with quality standards. Ensuring we maintain strict adherence to ISO 17025 and impartiality, you will drive the team to safe, effective and efficient sampling operations. You will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, supporting the development of team members and ensuring high levels of engagement and accountability.

Key responsibilities

• Safely lead and develop field-based sampling teams
• Manage budgets and financial targets
• Oversee sampling methodologies and capital investment
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and audit outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement and performance management
• Maintain equipment and vehicles, manage supplier contracts

As a valued employee you'll be entitled to:

• A competitive pension scheme where we double‑match your contributions up to 6%
• Private healthcare for your peace of mind
• An annual bonus scheme
• The opportunity to volunteer in your local community
• 26 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), increasing with service, with the option to swap Christmas and Easter for religious holidays
• Life cover (8x your salary) and personal accident cover (up to 5x your salary)
• Flexible benefits to support your well‑being and lifestyle
• Paid time off for illness, both physical and mental
• Free parking at all office locations, sites, and leisure parks
• Excellent family‑friendly policies, including 26 weeks of full pay for maternity/adoption leave and 4 weeks of paternity/partner pay, with the opportunity for shared parental leave

What does it take to be successful?

• Scientific degree or equivalent, chartered status desirable
• Experience in laboratory and quality systems
• Strong leadership and strategic/tactical skills
• Knowledge of water/environmental regulations
• Collaboration, innovation, and constructive challenge
• Support for high performance and team wellbeing

Inclusion at Anglian Water:

Inclusion is for everyone and we are an equal opportunity employer, which means we'll consider all suitably qualified applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disability status or any other protected characteristic. We recruit and develop our people based on merit and their passion for creating better outcomes, and we're committed to creating an environment where all our colleagues feel they belong.

Closing date: 4th January 2026

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