Analytical Laboratory Manager in Southampton
Analytical Laboratory Manager

Analytical Laboratory Manager in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a cutting-edge analytical laboratory, ensuring operational excellence.
  • Company: Join Cawood Scientific, a leader in environmental and chemical analysis.
  • Benefits: Career development opportunities, training, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in environmental testing while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in an analytical lab and proven team leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Innovative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

This role is located in Marchwood, within the Cawood Scientific Environment Division. Marchwood, part of Cawood, was established in 1998 and performs a range of specialist analytical testing services to customers operating in the Environmental, Industrial and Agricultural Sectors from its three laboratories based in the South and North of England. As a leading UK Dioxin and Furans analysis laboratory and the UK’s leading specialist laboratory for independent occupational hygiene analysis, Marchwood offers a range of services for the environmental, occupational and food/feed sectors.

We are seeking a dynamic Laboratory Manager to lead our Sample Extraction and Analytical teams within our ISO 17025 & MCERTS accredited laboratory, specialising in the analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants, including Dioxins & Furans. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident people leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment and is passionate about delivering operational excellence.

As our Laboratory Manager, you will oversee the day‑to‑day performance of approximately ten technicians and analysts, ensuring the smooth running of all extraction and analytical operations. Working closely with Health & Safety, Technical, Quality, Customer Services and wider operational teams, you will ensure that client samples are processed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. You will champion continuous improvement, drive team development, and help shape the future of our laboratory’s capabilities.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leadership & People Development: Inspire, motivate and lead a high‑performing team through coaching and supportive management. Identify training needs and create development opportunities to enhance team capability. Build a culture of transparency, trust, and empowerment, enabling confident, independent decision‑making.
  • Operational Excellence: Ensure safe and efficient daily laboratory operations, meeting agreed turnaround times and quality criteria. Troubleshoot technical, instrumental, and methodological issues alongside supporting long‑term improvements. Plan and manage departmental workflow to maximise productivity and efficiency. Support method development, validation and the launch of new analytical services.
  • Quality, Safety & Compliance: Maintain full compliance with ISO 17025, MCERTS, and internal procedures. Manage chemical and consumable controls and ensure equipment and instrumentation are maintained through effective liaison with engineers and service providers. Lead timely investigations into non‑conformances, implementing corrective and preventative actions. Promote a safe, tidy and high‑quality working environment.
  • Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: Support meetings with key clients, understanding their requirements and ensuring satisfaction. Work collaboratively with Customer Services and Business Development teams to deliver exceptional service. Communicate regularly with operational leaders, HR, and other stakeholders.
  • Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement across processes, standards, and performance metrics. Encourage innovative thinking and cross‑team collaboration to enhance outcomes for colleagues and customers.

Role-Specific Requirements

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

  • Experience within an analytical laboratory environment.
  • Proven success leading teams within an ISO 17025 / MCERTS accredited laboratory.
  • Strong experience managing and developing technicians and analysts.
  • Knowledge or experience with High‑Resolution instruments, GC‑QQQ, LC‑QQQ, or POP analysis (advantageous).
  • Experience in identifying, developing and implementing Lean or other operational efficiency processes.

What We Offer

The chance to lead a specialist team at the forefront of environmental and chemical analysis. Career development opportunities, including training such as Fire Marshal, First Aider, Internal Auditor and more. A supportive environment where innovation and professional growth are actively encouraged.

If you are a proactive leader with strong technical expertise and a passion for continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of our laboratory operations.

Analytical Laboratory Manager in Southampton employer: Cawood

Cawood Scientific's Marchwood laboratory is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and professional growth are at the forefront. As a leader in environmental and chemical analysis, employees benefit from comprehensive career development opportunities, a supportive culture that fosters teamwork, and the chance to lead a high-performing team dedicated to operational excellence. Located in Southampton, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the environmental sector while working within a highly accredited facility.
C

Contact Detail:

Cawood Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Analytical Laboratory Manager in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the analytical lab field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their work in environmental and chemical analysis, especially around Dioxins and Furans. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience in managing technicians and analysts in an ISO accredited environment.

✨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 our team and contributing to our mission of delivering top-notch analytical services.

We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Laboratory Manager in Southampton

Leadership Skills
Team Development
ISO 17025 Compliance
MCERTS Accreditation
Analytical Laboratory Experience
Operational Excellence
Technical Troubleshooting
Method Development
Quality Control
Customer Engagement
Continuous Improvement
Lean Processes
High-Resolution Instrumentation Knowledge
GC-QQQ Experience
LC-QQQ Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant technical expertise to show us you're the right fit for the Analytical Laboratory Manager role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position and how your background aligns with our needs. Share specific examples of your achievements in previous roles, especially those related to operational excellence and team development.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we're looking for someone with strong analytical laboratory experience, be sure to mention any relevant instruments or methodologies you've worked with. This will help us see how you can contribute to our ISO 17025 & MCERTS accredited lab.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cawood

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ISO 17025 and MCERTS standards. Familiarise yourself with the specific analytical techniques mentioned in the job description, like Dioxins & Furans analysis. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you motivated your team or implemented training programmes. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others, which is key for this role.

✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

Be ready to talk about your experience with Lean processes or any operational efficiency initiatives you've led. Companies love candidates who can bring innovative thinking to the table, so share specific examples of how you've improved lab operations in your previous roles.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don't forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's current projects or future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Analytical Laboratory Manager in Southampton
Cawood
Location: Southampton

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>