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- Tasks: Lead a small lab team, ensuring metallurgical compliance and overseeing testing processes.
- Company: Join a well-established component manufacturer in the metals industry based in Leicester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, increased pension contributions, healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, make an impact in quality assurance, and grow your career in metallurgy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Metallurgy or related field, with five years' lab experience and supervisory skills required.
- Other info: Full right to work in the UK is essential; diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 57500 £ per year.
Our client, a well-established component manufacturer is seeking a Laboratory Manager to join and lead its small lab department in Leicester (responsible for a team of two Laboratory Technicians). You will be key in ensuring metallurgical compliance across production, testing, and quality functions.
Key Requirements for Laboratory Manager role:
- Degree (or HNC/HND) qualified in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience working in a metallurgical or materials testing lab (manufacturing, foundry, automotive, aerospace experience is advantageous).
- At least five years’ experience in a metallurgical laboratory within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing or supervising technical staff.
- Familiarity with forging, machining, and heat treatment processes relevant to critical component manufacturing.
- Proficient in metallographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, and mechanical property verification.
- Strong communication, organisational, and technical reporting skills.
Key Responsibilities for Laboratory Manager:
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the metallurgical laboratory, including workload planning, testing, and documentation.
- Supervise and support two laboratory technicians, ensuring safe and efficient lab practices.
- Carry out and oversee metallurgical examinations including microstructure analysis, grain size, inclusion ratings, phase identification, and case depth measurements.
- Perform hardness testing and evaluate coating thickness, heat treatment results, and mechanical properties as required.
- Lead failure investigations using microscopy and other techniques, producing clear, detailed reports for internal and customer use.
- Ensure all laboratory activities meet relevant standards and specifications.
- Maintain all lab equipment, ensuring calibration, traceability, and audit readiness.
- Review material certification and support part qualification activities including FAIRs and customer approvals.
- Participate in internal and external audits, including Metallography and Hardness Testing assessments.
- Liaise with engineering, production, and quality teams to address metallurgical issues and support process improvements.
Other:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Company performance related bonus scheme.
- Increased pension schemes.
- Onsite and secure parking.
- Other company perks provided.
Please note that full and permanent right to work in the UK is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. This employer is unable to offer visa sponsorship now or in the future. Embracing diversity in all its forms, our client is an equal opportunity employer. They welcome individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
By applying through Green Folk Recruitment, you consent to share your information with our client for recruitment purposes. We handle your data with care, aligning with our privacy policy for recruitment-related activities. Please be informed that all final hiring decisions rests solely with our client. Should you have any inquiries, kindly direct them to Green Folk Recruitment for a transparent and streamlined recruitment experience.
Contact Detail:
Green Folk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing a team, as this role requires supervising two laboratory technicians. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in a lab environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the key processes mentioned in the job description, such as metallographic sample preparation and hardness testing. Being able to speak confidently about these processes will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the metals industry, especially those who have experience in metallurgical laboratories. They might provide insights or even referrals that could give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by reviewing common challenges faced in metallurgical labs. Think about how you would address issues related to compliance and quality assurance, as these are crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in metallurgical or materials testing labs. Emphasise your qualifications, particularly your degree or HNC/HND in Metallurgy or Materials Science, and any supervisory roles you've held.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and requirements listed in the job description. Mention your experience with metallurgical examinations and your ability to manage a team effectively.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in metallographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, and mechanical property verification. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
Highlight Compliance and Standards Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of metallurgical compliance and standards in your application. Mention any experience you have with audits, material certification, and ensuring lab activities meet relevant specifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Green Folk
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your qualifications in Metallurgy or Materials Science, as well as any relevant experience in metallurgical or materials testing labs. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing a small team, it's crucial to convey your experience in supervising technical staff. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, resolved conflicts, or improved lab practices in your past positions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to metallurgical examinations and processes such as microstructure analysis and hardness testing. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your methodologies and findings clearly.
✨Emphasise Communication and Collaboration
The role requires liaising with various teams, so demonstrate your strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with engineering, production, and quality teams to address metallurgical issues.
