Senior Sample Reception Officer

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Bedford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech, Inc. in Bedford is seeking a Lead Sample Reception Supervisor to lead a small team of Sample Reception Officers, ensuring accurate logging, storage and chain of custody for international clients.

The role focuses on establishing robust reception workflows, optimizing throughput, and maintaining compliant, QA-driven laboratory operations. On-site presence is required, with a fixed shift 14:00-22:00, contributing to KPI reporting and capacity planning.

Qualifications

• Science-related qualifications and practical laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems.
• Desirable formal training in laboratory QA/QC and line management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Sample Reception Officers and ensure shift continuity.
• Oversee sample receipt, logging, storage, and chain of custody.
• Maintain accurate LIMS records and KPI reporting.
• Coordinate with Analysts, Chemists and Logistics for throughput.

Skills

Team leadership

LIMS proficiency

Quality & safety compliance

KPI monitoring

Stakeholder communication

Education

Science related qualifications (A level or equivalent)

Tools

LIMS software

Job description

Lead Sample Reception in a World Class Laboratory

Join Tetra Tech as Sample Reception Supervisor at our Bedford laboratory and play a pivotal role in delivering high quality analytical services to international clients.

Purpose and scope of the role:

This permanent, full time position (fixed shift 14:00-22:00) leads a team of Sample Reception Officers responsible for receiving, logging and storing samples, ensuring accurate client requirements and maintaining sample reception areas. You will operate within Tetra Tech’s state of the art Bedford facility, part of a laboratory group that includes Manchester, serving agrochemical, environmental and food safety markets. The role supports projects ranging from routine monitoring to complex remediation programmes and interfaces daily with Analysts, Chemists, Technicians, Logistics and Project Coordination teams. Typical deliverables include accurate LIMS records, timely sample throughput, KPI reporting and contribution to annual operating budgets.

Your impact in this position:

In the short term you will establish robust reception workflows and stabilise sample throughput. Over the medium term you will optimise storage and traceability, reduce lead times and raise team competency through training. Longer term you will influence laboratory capacity planning, contribute to accreditation readiness and progress into broader laboratory management or technical coordination roles working on significant, high profile projects that support regulatory compliance and remediation efforts.

• Team leadership: Proven ability to supervise and motivate a small operational team, manage performance and maintain shift continuity.
• Sample management & LIMS proficiency: Demonstrable experience of sample receipt, storage, chain of custody procedures and accurate use of LIMS or similar systems.
• Quality, compliance & safety: Strong understanding of laboratory QA/QC practices, accreditation standards and health & safety requirements.
• Operational planning & KPI management: Experience monitoring KPIs, identifying risks/opportunities and communicating resource needs to senior management.
• Communication & stakeholder engagement: Effective communicator with clients and internal teams, able to translate technical requirements into operational action.

Skills, qualifications and training:

Science related qualifications (A level or equivalent), practical laboratory experience, familiarity with LIMS. Desirable: formal training in laboratory quality systems, line management experience, prior work in environmental or agrochemical testing.

Work patterns & location:

On site at Bedford, fixed shift 14:00-22:00, permanent full time. Role requires regular presence on site to manage sample reception and team activities.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.