Chemistry Laboratory Manager

Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

As Laboratory Manager, you'll take full ownership of laboratory operations, balancing commercial performance, technical excellence, and team leadership.

• Leading day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring samples are processed and reported on time.
• Driving performance, efficiency, quality, and profitability across the laboratory.
• Managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team of chemists, analysts, and laboratory personnel.
• Providing technical leadership across a range of analytical chemistry activities, ensuring the highest standards of scientific excellence.
• Overseeing the effective use, maintenance, and development of analytical instrumentation including GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP, and related techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation requirements, quality standards, and HSE procedures.
• Building strong relationships with clients, delivering excellent service and resolving technical or operational issues proactively.
• Supporting method development, process improvement, and innovation to enhance laboratory capabilities and service delivery.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, operational efficiencies, and business growth.

Qualifications

We're looking for an experienced laboratory leader who combines strong analytical chemistry expertise with proven people management skills.

Essential

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP.
• Proven experience leading larger laboratory teams, including performance management, coaching, succession planning, and resource management.
• Experience working within analytical testing, environmental, chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, or related laboratory environments.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality systems, UKAS accreditation, ISO 17025, and HSE requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused laboratory environment.

At SGS, you’ll be part of a global organisation known for quality, integrity, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical function within a well-established laboratory
• Make a real impact on service delivery, quality, and growth
• Develop your team and shape the future of the laboratory
• Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration

Additional Information

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)
• BUPA Private medical cover - Immediate cover from day 1 
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Retailer Discounts
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay

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, if you are selected for an interview, or further consideration, we will be in touch with you directly.