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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced laboratory, driving performance and engagement.
- Company: Cawood, the UK's largest independent analytical laboratory provider.
- Benefits: Training, development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a growing company where your ideas and leadership truly matter.
- Why this job: Shape team culture and drive operational excellence in a respected organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and understanding of ISO and UKAS standards.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Cawood is the largest independent provider of analytical laboratory testing and sampling services for the land-based industries in the UK. With 15 sites around the country specialising in different types of analysis, we are always looking for skilled and talented individuals to join our teams. This is an exciting time to join Cawood. The business is growing and there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to work hard, have fun and be part of our success.
We are looking for an experienced and people‑focused Preparation Manager to lead our busy operations team at NRM Bracknell. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast‑paced laboratory environment and is passionate about driving performance, engagement, and continuous improvement.
As the Preparation Manager, you will oversee a team of 10–20 colleagues, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient day‑to‑day operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.
What You’ll Be Doing- People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop your team to drive high performance and engagement
- Conduct regular 1:1s, feedback sessions, performance reviews, and development planning
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff training
- Ensure training records, competence, and performance standards are fully maintained
- Foster a positive, collaborative culture aligned with our values and People Leader expectations
- Operational Delivery
- Oversee workflow, resource planning, and staff allocation to meet turnaround times
- Ensure all processes, equipment, and documentation meet UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025 standards
- Troubleshoot technical issues and support method development alongside the Technical Team
- Maintain data integrity, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement using EBOS tools
- Support implementation and effective use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Customer Services, Business Development and Technical Services
- Support client meetings and maintain excellent customer relationships
- Communicate operational updates clearly and professionally across teams
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, SOPs, and accreditation requirements
- Oversee non-conforming work investigations and corrective actions
- Maintain a safe, clean, audit‑ready laboratory environment
- Act as Fire Marshal, First Aider, Internal Auditor or Key Holder when required
- Essential
- Strong understanding of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements
- Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail
- Self‑motivated, collaborative, and confident in driving team performance
- Hands-on approach with the ability to influence and motivate others
- Desirable
- Experience working in a laboratory environment with good operational knowledge
- Experience within a UKAS‑accredited laboratory
- Knowledge of food/feed or chemistry-based laboratory techniques
- A key leadership role within a respected and growing organisation
- Opportunity to shape team culture and drive operational excellence
- Training, development, and internal progression opportunities
- Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership matter
If you are an engaging leader with strong laboratory knowledge and a passion for driving people and performance, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of a team that values quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Preparation Manager in Bracknell employer: Cawood Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cawood Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Preparation Manager in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Preparation Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cawood and understanding their values and operations. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their culture. We want to see your passion for driving performance and engagement shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on showcasing your experience in managing teams and ensuring compliance with standards like ISO and UKAS.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Cawood and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Preparation Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Preparation Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant laboratory knowledge to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven performance or improved processes in previous roles. We love to see results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cawood Scientific
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements before the interview. Cawood is looking for someone with a strong understanding of these standards, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached or developed team members, and be ready to share how you fostered a positive culture. This will demonstrate your people-focused approach.
✨Be Ready for Operational Questions
Expect questions about managing workflow and resource planning. Have some scenarios in mind where you successfully met turnaround times or improved operational efficiency. This shows you can handle the fast-paced environment at Cawood.
✨Engage with Their Values
Cawood values collaboration and continuous improvement, so think about how you can contribute to these areas. Prepare to discuss how you’ve maintained excellent customer relationships and communicated effectively across teams in your previous roles.