Team Leader

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 24–28 days

Generous pension scheme

Health & well-being benefits

Cycle to work

Job summary

Thames Water, Reading, is seeking a Laboratory Team Leader for the Metals unit. You will oversee five analysts, manage ICP-OES, Radiochemistry and Fluoride testing, and authorise results in line with ISO17025 DWTS and MCERTS standards.

The role emphasizes team development, regulatory compliance, and strategic input within the Metals Leadership group. Requires strong communication to manage people and resources effectively.

Qualifications

• Degree-level in science, though candidates with extensive experience in analytical chemistry would be considered.
• Experience in running and maintaining ICP‑OES or other similar analytical systems.
• Strong understanding and experience in quality control and assurance processes in a laboratory setting.
• Drive and determination to learn new job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage all people aspects of the Metals team and work as a key member of the Metals Leadership team.
• Coordinate resources including analytical instrumentation and materials to analyse samples and report results.
• Train and assist the team in troubleshooting ICP‑OES issues as they arise.
• Apply regulatory requirements and ISO17025 DWTS and MCERTS standards to analytical methods management.
• Ensure compliance with DWI competent person guidance.
• Maintain H&S performance and compliance.

Skills

People management

ICP-OES

Radiochemistry

Fluoride testing

ISO17025

MCERTS

Regulatory analysis

Communication skills

Education

Degree in science

Tools

ICP‑OES equipment

Job description

The Team Leader position in Reading oversees a five‑person Metals unit delivering regulatory analysis for water, waste, and environmental samples. Reporting within Pertemps Thames Water, you will coordinate daily workloads, maintain ICP‑OES, Radiochemistry, and Fluoride equipment, and authorise results to ISO17025 DWTS and MCERTS criteria. Beyond technical duties, you will mentor analysts, support their professional growth, and contribute to departmental strategy as part of the Metals Leadership group. Strong communication skills are essential for managing people effectively. This full‑time, permanent contract offers a competitive salary between £36,240 and £46,700, dependent on experience. The role suits someone ready to take ownership of quality, performance, and team development in a regulated laboratory setting. Join our Metals team and help deliver high‑quality regulatory analysis across water, waste and environmental samples. With growing requirements, we’re looking for a motivated team leader ready to step up and make an impact. You’ll manage five analysts and oversee ICP‑OES, Radiochemistry and Fluoride testing for Thames Water. Your day will include planning workloads, keeping equipment running smoothly, authorising results and maintaining ISO17025 DWTS and MCERTS standards. You’ll also support your team’s development and help shape the future of the department.

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Team Leader Metals

• Use your excellent communication skills to manage all people aspects of your team & work as a key member of the Metals Leadership team & wider Metals Testing team.
• Coordinate resources including analytical instrumentation and materials to analyse samples and report test results.
• Use your knowledge in ICP‑OES to train and help the team troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Use your understanding of our regulatory requirements and ISO17025 DWTS and MCERTS standards in the management of the analytical methods.
• Ensure compliance with the DWI 'competent person' guidance.
• Maintain our excellent record of H+S performance and compliance.

Working hours: 36 hours per week – 9-5 Monday – Friday with some Saturday on rota when trained. Base Location: Spencer House, Reading, RG2 0JN

What you should bring to the role

• Have a degree-level in science, though candidates with extensive experience in analytical chemistry would be considered.
• Have experience in running and maintaining ICP‑OES, or other similar analytical systems.
• A strong understanding and experience in quality control and assurance processes in a laboratory setting.
• Possess a sense of drive and determination to learn new job responsibilities.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £36,240 to £46,700 per annum depending on skills and experience.
• Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
• Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Why choose us?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support. When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.