At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing lab team and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join ALS, a global leader in scientific testing and data insights.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with growth opportunities and support for all abilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in regulated labs and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data‑driven insights to build a healthier future.
Location: Sittingbourne • Salary: Competitive and DOE • Working Pattern: Full‑time, on‑site
Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a high‑performing laboratory team.
- Take full ownership of operational performance, including KPIs, service delivery and commercial targets.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity and quality.
- Ensure compliance with ISO17025, food industry regulations and internal quality standards.
- Promote a strong health & safety culture across the laboratory.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Support business growth through operational excellence and customer confidence.
- Develop site business plans and report on performance against objectives.
- Work closely with senior leadership to align operational and strategic goals.
Qualifications:
- Proven senior leadership experience within a food laboratory or highly regulated scientific environment.
- Strong background in laboratory management and operational leadership.
- Experience working within heavily regulated food, testing or analytical environments.
- Excellent understanding of quality standards including ISO17025 and ISO9001.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, KPIs and operational performance.
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing multi‑disciplinary teams.
- A proactive leader who can drive accountability, performance and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits:
- Annual leave commencing at 25 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro‑rata for part time).
- Ability to buy annual leave.
- Enhanced company sick pay scheme.
- Salary progression scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
- ‘Celebrating Success’ recognition awards.
- Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.
- Learning/study support.
- Group personal pension plan.
- Car parking on‑site.
We believe in an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are recognised and valued. ALS is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all abilities. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.
General Manager in Sittingbourne employer: ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd
At ALS, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As a General Manager in Sittingbourne, you will lead a high-performing laboratory team while enjoying competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in our mission to build a healthier future through scientific excellence and operational innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Sittingbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ALS and understanding their values and goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the company and how you can contribute to their mission of building a healthier future. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We recommend focusing on your leadership experience and how you’ve driven operational performance in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that keeping the lines of communication open is key to making a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When you're applying for the General Manager role, make sure to highlight your senior leadership experience. We want to see how you've led teams in a lab or regulated environment, so share specific examples that showcase your ability to drive performance and accountability.
Know Your Standards:Familiarise yourself with ISO17025 and other quality standards relevant to the food industry. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of these regulations, so mention any experience you have in ensuring compliance and maintaining high-quality standards.
Be Results-Driven:We’re all about operational excellence, so don’t forget to include your experience with KPIs and budget management. Show us how you've driven continuous improvement initiatives and achieved commercial targets in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our job description. Use the same language and keywords we’ve used, and don’t hesitate to apply through our website. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of KPIs and operational performance. Brush up on relevant metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in previous roles. This shows you’re not just a leader but a data-driven decision-maker.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve developed talent or improved team dynamics. This will help the interviewers see how you can foster a high-performing culture at ALS.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with ISO17025 and other quality standards relevant to the food industry. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles and how you plan to maintain these standards at ALS. This is crucial for building trust with clients and stakeholders.
✨Build a Vision for Growth
Think about how you would develop site business plans and support operational excellence. Be ready to share your ideas on driving business growth through efficiency and customer confidence. This will show that you’re not just focused on the present but also on the future of the company.
