At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage lab operations and budget while supporting R&D teams in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading company in e-liquids innovation, committed to quality and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making impactful contributions in a cutting-edge field.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates have lab management experience and a degree in Chemistry or related fields.
- Other info: Position runs until mid-July 2026, offering a chance to develop valuable skills.
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive individual to support its e-liquids R&D team in a dual-capacity role. As Lab Manager & Budget Coordinator, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of our North Carolina laboratory while also managing the full purchase order lifecycle via the internally used platform.
This role supports Scientists, Engineers, and Technology Managers by overseeing lab operations, managing inventory and vendor relationships, maintaining equipment, and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. Simultaneously, you\’ll play a critical role in budget tracking, PO processing, and financial reporting-serving as a key liaison with Finance and Procurement teams.
Key Responsibilities
Lab Operations
- Manage daily lab activities, including equipment maintenance, consumables inventory, and resource allocation
- Lead quality and safety compliance aligned with QA and EHS standards
- Act as primary contact for lab vendors and maintenance providers
- Support onboarding of new lab staff with operational training
- Identify and implement process improvements for greater lab efficiency
Budget & Procurement Management
- Handle end-to-end purchase order cycle: creation, tracking, reconciliation, and closure
- Maintain and update budget trackers, ensuring alignment with actual and forecasted spend
- Present financial status reports during monthly reviews with Finance
- Coordinate vendor onboarding, contracts, and compliance in partnership with Procurement
- Ensure timely PO close-outs in line with half-year and year-end requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in lab management within a scientific R&D environment
- Familiarity with hazardous material handling and COSHH standards
- Proven ability to manage lab workflows and external vendor relationships
- Proficiency in MS Excel (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)
???????Skills
- Highly organized, with strong coordination and multitasking abilities
- Excellent communication skills and team collaboration
- Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous process improvement
- Experience with budget tracking and spend management platforms (Coupa preferred)
Education
- Bachelor\’s degree (BSc/PhD) in Chemistry or related scientific discipline (e.g., Biochemistry)
- Additional certifications in Lab Operations, Business Administration, or Finance are a plus
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Initially, this position is expected to run until at least the middle of July 2026
Hours: 35 per week
Pay: £22.77 per hour (PAYE)
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Locations
Lab Manager employer: Energy, Whiteley
Contact Detail:
Energy, Whiteley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific lab management software and tools mentioned in the job description, especially if they use a platform like Coupa for budget tracking. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the e-liquids R&D field or similar industries. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues or industry leaders who might provide insights or even referrals for the Lab Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved lab efficiency or managed vendor relationships in your previous roles. Having concrete examples ready will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current projects and any recent developments in the e-liquids sector. Showing that you are informed about their work and challenges can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in lab management and R&D environments. Emphasise your familiarity with hazardous material handling and any specific skills like proficiency in MS Excel.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the perfect fit for the Lab Manager role. Mention your organisational skills, experience with budget tracking, and how you can contribute to improving lab efficiency.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your educational background, especially your degree in Chemistry or related fields. If you have additional certifications in Lab Operations or Business Administration, make sure to include those as well.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and team collaboration, provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked with teams or managed vendor relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy, Whiteley
✨Showcase Your Lab Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in lab management, particularly in a scientific R&D environment. Highlight specific examples of how you've managed workflows, vendor relationships, and ensured compliance with safety standards.
✨Demonstrate Budget Management Skills
Since this role involves budget tracking and procurement management, be ready to talk about your experience with financial reporting and using budget tracking platforms. Mention any specific tools you’ve used, like Coupa, and how you’ve successfully managed budgets in the past.
✨Emphasise Communication and Team Collaboration
This position requires excellent communication skills and teamwork. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've effectively collaborated with scientists, engineers, and finance teams. Show that you can be a key liaison between different departments.
✨Highlight Process Improvement Initiatives
The role calls for continuous process improvement. Think of instances where you've identified inefficiencies in lab operations and implemented changes that led to better efficiency or safety. Be specific about the outcomes of these improvements.