Senior Sample Reception Officer

Tetra Tech; Bedford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech in Bedford is seeking a Lead Sample Reception Supervisor for a fixed shift 14:00-22:00. You will lead a small team responsible for receiving, logging, and storing samples, ensuring accuracy of client requirements and timely throughput.

Based in a state-of-the-art Bedford facility, you will interact daily with Analysts, Chemists, and Logistics, contributing to KPI reporting and budget delivery while upholding QA/QC standards and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Science-related qualifications (A level or equivalent).
• Practical laboratory experience required.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems.
• Desirable: formal training in laboratory quality systems.
• Line management or supervisory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Sample Reception Officers to ensure timely sample logging and storage.
• Maintain accurate LIMS records and sample custody documentation.
• Monitor KPI metrics and coordinate with Analysts, Technicians and Logistics.
• Support capacity planning and training to improve throughput.

Skills

Team leadership

LIMS proficiency

Quality & safety

Operational planning

Stakeholder communication

Education

Science qualifications (A level or equivalent)

Tools

LIMS

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.

Core capabilities:

• 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.

Why join Tetra Tech?

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science to solve our clients' most complex problems.

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.