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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced laboratory, driving performance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Cawood, the UK's largest independent analytical laboratory provider.
- Benefits: Opportunities for training, development, and internal progression in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape team culture and drive operational excellence in a respected organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in a laboratory environment.
- Other info: Join a growing team that values quality, collaboration, and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 Characterisation 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 Characterisation 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 What You’ll Bring
- Strong understanding of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements
- Experience working in a laboratory environment with good operational knowledge
- 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 within a UKAS‑accredited laboratory
- Knowledge of food/feed or chemistry‑based laboratory techniques
Why Join Us?
- 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
Ready to Apply? 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.
Characterisation Manager in Bracknell employer: Cawood
Contact Detail:
Cawood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Characterisation 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 Characterisation Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cawood and understanding their values and operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around ISO and UKAS standards. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams, driven performance, and fostered a positive culture. This is key for a Characterisation Manager, so make sure your passion shines through.
✨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 serious about joining a team that values quality and collaboration. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Characterisation Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Characterisation 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 best 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
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements. Familiarise yourself with the specific laboratory techniques relevant to the role, as well as Cawood's operations. This will show that you're not just interested in the position but also understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve conducted performance reviews or developed team members. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a positive culture and driving engagement within your team.
✨Engage with Their Values
Cawood values collaboration and continuous improvement, so be sure to align your answers with these principles. Share experiences where you’ve worked closely with other departments or implemented improvements that benefited the whole team. This will demonstrate that you’re a good fit for their culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current challenges in the lab or how they measure success in the Characterisation Manager role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
