Laboratory Site Lead in Kent

The Laboratory Site Lead is responsible for the daily operation of Alpha Scientific's testing laboratory. This role ensures that laboratory activities are performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards required under ISO 17025 accreditation. The successful candidate will manage employees, oversee facility operations, maintain compliance systems, and contribute to business improvement initiatives to support our growth ambitions and be responsive to an evolving industry.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily operations for testing, including sample reception, testing, and reporting.
• Model and reinforce positive workplace culture by demonstrating the behaviours and standards expected across the business.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies promoting a safety and proactive risk management culture.
• Coordinate with senior management and department leads to align site activities with organisational goals.
• Manage and optimise laboratory workflows, capacity and resources to meet client SLAs and quality objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary laboratory operations team and manage performance reviews, training needs, and succession planning in alignment with company objectives.
• Drive collaboration between administrative, operational, technical, and quality teams to achieve shared goals and enhance operational cohesion.
• Develop and implement operational policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality systems aligned with ISO 17025 requirements to maintain the integrity of the laboratory's UKAS accreditation, ensuring all activities adhere to relevant standards.
• Work closely with the Quality Manager to support and promote a strong quality culture and continuous improvement mindset across the team, by overseeing quality control systems, method proficiency performance, internal audits and corrective/preventive actions.
• Oversee laboratory infrastructure to ensure the facility meets the technical and environmental conditions specified for UKAS compliance.
• Control of laboratory inventory working closely with Procurement.
• Support the development and management of the site’s operational budget.
• Monitor resource utilisation, productivity, and cost metrics to identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
• Take responsibility for people, recruitment and onboarding in cooperation with HR.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term business development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing operations in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex operations.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Proven experience of leading teams through change.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline. (Desirable)
• Strong understanding of chemical and microbiological water testing methodologies and standards. (Desirable)
• Proven knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and UKAS assessment processes. (Desirable)
• Experience within an environmental or water industry testing laboratory. (Desirable)
• Working knowledge of UK drinking water, environmental, or wastewater regulations. (Desirable)
• Experience of working within a matrix organisation. (Desirable)

Benefits

• 25 days holiday
• Pension contribution matched up to 8%
• Life Assurance 3x base salary
• Private health scheme
• Genuit sharesave scheme