Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic operations team in a fast-paced laboratory.
- Company: Cawood, the UK's largest independent analytical laboratory provider.
- Benefits: Training, development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- 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.
- Other info: Join a growing team where your ideas and leadership truly matter.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
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 as the business is growing and there are opportunities for people who want to work hard, have fun and be part of our success.
Position: Preparation Manager – leading our busy operations team at NRM Bracknell. This is a dynamic leadership role in a fast-paced laboratory environment focused on driving performance, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
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.
Preparation Manager in Bracknell employer: Cawood
Contact Detail:
Cawood 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 hunt 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. Think about how your leadership style aligns with their culture and be ready to share examples of how you've driven performance and engagement in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on approach! During interviews, highlight specific instances where you’ve influenced and motivated teams. Use metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact on operational efficiency and team performance.
✨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 being part of our growing team at Cawood.
We think you need these skills to ace Preparation Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leadership and laboratory operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Preparation Manager, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and engagement. Use numbers and examples to make your impact clear – we love a good success story!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits our collaborative culture, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cawood
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Cawood thoroughly. Understand their services, values, and recent developments in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Preparation Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching, performance management, and fostering a positive culture. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you drove engagement and improvement.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on your knowledge of ISO, UKAS, and laboratory standards. Expect questions about operational delivery and troubleshooting. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and expectations for the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if Cawood is the right fit for you.
