Business Unit Leader in Coventry

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Business Unit Manager - Coventry Environmental Laboratory

Overview

We are seeking an inspiring and commercially minded Business Unit Manager to lead our Coventry Environmental laboratory and more than 400 colleagues as part of the UK and Ireland Senior Management Team.

This is an opportunity for an energetic, people-focused leader who can improve engagement, develop capability and create a culture where people want to stay and grow. You will combine strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach - addressing issues early, empowering experienced technical teams and driving innovation, performance and excellent client service.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, delivering improvements across safety, quality, efficiency, customer service and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the day-to-day operations of the Coventry laboratory, ensuring timely, accurate and high‑quality delivery of results.
• Set a clear direction for the site, creating an engaged, accountable and high‑performing culture.
• Build trust and engagement at all levels, ensuring colleagues feel valued, heard and supported to succeed.
• Develop and empower leaders and teams, supporting capability building, succession planning and career progression.
• Motivate teams through change, encouraging ownership, proactive problem‑solving and early resolution of operational issues.
• Drive continuous improvement across health and safety, quality, customer service, productivity, capacity and cost.
• Deliver operational KPIs, service levels, customer commitments, revenue and profit targets through effective resource and budget management.
• Work collaboratively with other sites and functions to improve sample flow, turnaround times and the overall customer experience.
• Champion innovation and investment, including automation, robotics, digital tools, AI and strategic CAPEX projects.
• Partner with technical, quality, Sales and Customer Services teams to develop laboratory capability, maintain compliance and meet evolving business and client needs.

About You

You will be a visible, approachable and energising leader who is passionate about helping people and businesses perform at their best.

You will be comfortable leading through others, creating clarity in complex situations and turning strategy into practical action.

You will bring:

• Inspire and engage teams to deliver excellent performance and customer outcomes.
• Build strong relationships and influence at all levels.
• Develop people, strengthen leadership capability and support career progression.
• Take ownership, make confident decisions and solve problems before they elevate.
• Balance commercial priorities with operational performance and continuous improvement.
• Communicate clearly and bring people with you through change.
• Embrace innovation and find smarter, more effective ways of working.
• Stay resilient, positive and practical in a fast‑paced environment.

Experience and Qualifications

The following experience would be valuable:

• Experience of managing a laboratory, production, manufacturing, logistics, technical services or similarly high-volume operational environment.
• Experience of working within a regulated or quality‑led organisation.
• Familiarity with laboratory logistics, sample registration, transport or supply chain processes.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025, ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 systems.
• A degree, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in a relevant scientific, technical, operational or business discipline.
• Experience of leading continuous improvement, automation, digital transformation or operational change.

However, we recognise that no one person will have every technical skill. Coventry has experienced technical, quality and operational teams who will provide the specialist knowledge and support required. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring the leadership, energy, curiosity and people focus needed to unlock the potential of the site and make a lasting difference.

The Impact You Will Make

This is an opportunity to shape the performance and culture of a major Environmental laboratory. You will help create a workplace where people are engaged, supported and proud of what they do - while delivering excellent results for our clients and contributing to the continued growth and success of the business.

Our Benefits Include:

• 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