Technical Manager Contaminants

SGS; Newtown; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory services company in Newtown, UK, seeks a Contaminants Technical Development Manager to ensure compliance and drive innovation in analytical performance. Key responsibilities include leading method development and instrument maintenance, collaborating with technical teams, and contributing to quality assurance. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in contaminants analysis, excellent leadership, and a relevant scientific degree. This role offers a dynamic working environment and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Private medical cover

Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance

Generous Annual Leave allowance

Discounted Gym Membership

Retailer Discounts

Access to electric vehicle leasing scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay

Length of Service Awards

Christmas Vouchers

Health & Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in contaminants and/or pesticides analysis.
• Proven experience in method development, laboratory troubleshooting, and analytical instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of quality systems, audit requirements, and laboratory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full technical compliance across the contaminants laboratory.
• Lead instrument maintenance programmes to resolve issues and minimise downtime.
• Deliver method validation and oversee new method development.
• Embed lean principles to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager for resource alignment.

Skills

Technical expertise in contaminants and/or pesticides analysis

Experience in method development

Laboratory troubleshooting

Analytical instrumentation

Excellent communication skills

Proactive leadership

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Science, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

Overview

Are you a scientific leader with a passion for method innovation, technical excellence, and driving high-quality analytical performance? This is a laboratory-based, hands-on role as Contaminants Technical Development Manager within our Contaminants & Pesticides operations. You will shape technical strategy, elevate laboratory standards, and contribute to future-facing methodologies that keep our services at the forefront of the industry. You will work closely with the Contaminants Operations Manager to ensure technical integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of contaminants testing activities, lead technical development, oversee instrument performance, enhance operational processes, and support our R&D project portfolio. You will also contribute to staff development, quality assurance, and external engagement, making this a diverse and influential technical leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full technical compliance across the contaminants laboratory, delivering high-quality, traceable testing aligned with policies, procedures, and industry standards.
• Lead instrument maintenance programmes, resolving issues and minimising downtime.
• Deliver method validation and continuous improvements, and oversee new method development (hands-on and through project/team management).
• Embed lean principles to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager to align equipment, consumables, and staffing with commercial demands.
• Recommend future technical investments in partnership with global technical stakeholders.
• Partner with Quality teams on external quality assurance (EQA), audits, and investigations.
• Respond to customer technical queries and support complaint resolution.
• Represent the laboratory during audits, visits, and occasional client meetings.
• Contribute to daily production meetings and weekly team reviews.
• Ensure QHSE KPIs and training requirements are met.
• Present monthly operational reports and participate in site-wide meetings.
• Participate in external committees and working groups to stay informed on regulatory and industry developments, helping guide R&D priorities.
• Design and deliver technical training programmes across methods and shift patterns.
• Support recruitment, interviewing, and capability development of laboratory and technical staff.

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in contaminants and/or pesticides analysis.
• Proven experience in method development, laboratory troubleshooting, and analytical instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of quality systems, audit requirements, and laboratory compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence, guide, and mentor technical teams.
• A proactive approach, with the confidence to lead technical strategy and innovate.
• A degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Analytical Science, Environmental Science, or a related field).

Benefits

• Private medical cover (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Retailer Discounts
• Access to electric vehicle leasing scheme (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
• Length of Service Awards
• Christmas Vouchers
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives