Head of Laboratory Operations

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Company Description

Make an impact with SGS! With more than 99,600 employees and 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world, SGS is a silent force working hard behind the scenes to deliver quality and integrity to businesses across nine industries. As the world's leader in providing inspection, verification, testing and certification services, Forbes ranked SGS as one of the world's top multinationals and the Dow Jones has recognized SGS for its sustainability processes.

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• Private medical cover (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays.
• An additional day off for your birthday
• 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

Job Description

Head of Laboratory Operations

• Job Type: Permanent
• Hours: 37.5
• Job Location: Ellesmere Port - Site Based
• Salary Competitive + Bonus

Your New Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Laboratory Operations to provide leadership and management to a team of Laboratory Managers / Sample Reception and their respective teams. In this role, you will ensure the delivery of excellent results to clients, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will also collaborate with the Operations Manager to drive business development and operational excellence, while maintaining cost efficiencies, safety, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and provide day-to-day management to the Laboratory Managers, ensuring effective team performance, project delivery, and high-quality service to clients.
• Collaborate with Laboratory Managers to plan, organize, and deliver relevant tests, ensuring timely and accurate completion within budget and to required quality standards.
• Manage and support Laboratory Managers and staff through regular meetings, performance appraisals, coaching, and career development initiatives.
• Oversee the technical and operational aspects of the laboratory, ensuring the correct balance of skills and knowledge across teams.
• Develop and maintain the Master Schedule for the site, coordinating resources and activities to meet operational needs.
• Provide technical, scientific, and regulatory support across laboratory teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Implement process excellence initiatives to improve laboratory operations, increase productivity, and reduce costs.
• Maintain UKAS accreditation and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and health & safety standards.
• Support business development activities, working alongside sales and business development teams to expand service offerings, improve client relationships, and capitalize on new business opportunities.
• Report key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior management, monitoring productivity, quality, and service levels.
• Foster a culture of accountability, effective communication, and continuous improvement.

Current Challenges & Opportunities:

• Deliver all laboratory tests on time and within budget.
• Improve communication and employee engagement across teams, reducing turnover and increasing cross-skilling.
• Enhance local service capabilities to meet growing market demands and capitalize on new business opportunities.
• Maintain and improve health and safety standards and achieve continuous improvement in all operational areas.

Core Competencies:

• Customer Focus: Ensure the delivery of high-quality service to clients.
• Commercial Orientation: Understand the financial implications of actions and contribute to business growth.
• Business Development: Actively seek new opportunities for service expansion and revenue growth.
• Relationship Building: Build strong working relationships with internal teams and external clients.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication with all levels of the business.
• Management & Planning: Excellent planning and organizational skills for team and operational management.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and people management skills.

Qualifications

Skills & Knowledge:

Essential:

• Proven people management and leadership skills in a high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop positive relationships across teams.
• Ability to work autonomously and adapt quickly to changing demands.
• In-depth knowledge of regulations, policies, and health & safety standards.
• Experience working in a regulated, accredited laboratory setting (e.g., UKAS).
• Ability to manage P&L, budgeting, and financial aspects of laboratory operations.

Desirable:

• Flexible approach to work with the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other IT systems used in laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of SGS UK business activities.

Essential:

• Significant experience managing and leading laboratory teams in a high-throughput environment.
• Experience of project coordination and delivering results under tight deadlines.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding personal and team targets.
• Management experience in regulated, accredited scientific laboratories.
• Experience in financial and operational oversight, including P&L management.

Qualifications

BSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field, or equivalent qualification

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

APPLY NOW for full consideration, you can be sure that your application will be treated confidentially and impartially, and you will always receive an update within 10 business days.

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