Laboratory Manager

Welcome to Booker Water Services Ltd in Luton. We have an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Laboratory Services Manager to lead the development and operation of a brand-new laboratory facility in Luton. This is a pivotal senior position offering genuine ownership and influence. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious laboratory professional to play a central role in establishing a new laboratory operation, developing its people and processes, and leading it towards UKAS accreditation and future growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the laboratory's systems, culture, procedures and team from the outset, establishing a high-quality service that can grow with the business. What you will do

• Lead all laboratory operations and service delivery.
• Build, manage and develop the laboratory team.
• Lead the UKAS accreditation programme and ongoing ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.
• Prepare for and manage UKAS assessments, audits and scope extensions.
• Develop the Quality Management System, technical procedures and laboratory processes.
• Manage workload, turnaround times, staffing, equipment and laboratory resources.
• Ensure technical competence, staff authorisation, method validation and quality control.
• Oversee audits, non-conformances, corrective actions and continual improvement.
• Establish effective systems for sample traceability, data integrity and result reporting.
• Promote excellent standards of safety, compliance and professional practice.
• Work with senior management to develop the laboratory's long-term operational strategy. What you will bring
• Significant experience in a laboratory management or senior laboratory leadership role.
• Previous experience in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and UKAS requirements.
• Previous team management experience (at all levels)
• Proven experience supporting or leading UKAS accreditation and audit activity.
• Experience managing laboratory teams, operations, budgets and resources.
• A relevant science degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in water, environmental, microbiological or chemical testing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, planning and problem-solving skills. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious laboratory professional to play a central role in establishing a new laboratory operation, developing its people and processes, and leading it towards UKAS accreditation and future growth. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience with ISO/IEC 17025, UKAS accreditation and laboratory operations.