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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced laboratory environment, driving performance and engagement.
- Company: Cawood, the largest independent analytical laboratory provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, training opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape team culture and drive operational excellence in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and understanding of ISO and UKAS standards.
- Other info: Join a fun, collaborative environment where your ideas matter.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
What You’ll Bring
- 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
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.
Cawood is a flexible employer, offering flextime, overtime and time off in lieu to help colleagues manage their work in a way that suits them as well as the business. We believe in working together to find the best outcome for all and we foster a culture of friendliness and family within our teams.
Preparation Manager in Bracknell employer: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
Contact Detail:
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense 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 people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the Preparation Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
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 for the Preparation Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant lab knowledge that aligns with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role is all about leading a team, don’t forget to mention your coaching and communication skills. We want to see how you can engage and motivate others!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements and how they relate to operational delivery and compliance. We love numbers and results, so share those where you can!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of laboratory operations and be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove performance and engagement, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges or team dynamics. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
