Wet Chemistry Manager in Bracknell

Wet Chemistry Manager in Bracknell

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced laboratory, driving performance and continuous improvement.
  • Company: Join Cawood, the largest independent analytical lab 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 respected organisation.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in a laboratory environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a fun, collaborative workplace that values your ideas.

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 Wet Chemistry 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 Wet Chemistry 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
    • 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

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.

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.

We spend a lot of our lives at work, so it’s important to us to make Cawood a place our people enjoy working. 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.

Wet Chemistry Manager in Bracknell employer: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense

Cawood is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Bracknell, where employees are encouraged to thrive through flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on personal development. As a Wet Chemistry Manager, you will lead a passionate team in a collaborative culture that values quality and continuous improvement, while enjoying ample opportunities for growth and career progression within a respected and expanding organisation.
E

Contact Detail:

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Wet Chemistry 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 Wet Chemistry Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase your passion for driving performance and engagement during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, tackled challenges, and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to motivate others.

✨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 team at Cawood, where we value quality and collaboration.

We think you need these skills to ace Wet Chemistry Manager in Bracknell

People Leadership
Coaching Skills
Team Development
Operational Knowledge
ISO/IEC 17025 Standards
UKAS Compliance
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Data Integrity
Continuous Improvement
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Health & Safety Compliance
Problem-Solving Skills
Technical Troubleshooting
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Wet Chemistry Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant lab work, especially if it involves ISO or UKAS standards. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for leading teams and driving performance in a lab environment. Let us know why you’re excited about joining Cawood and how you can contribute to our success.

Showcase Your People Skills: As a Wet Chemistry Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to highlight your people management skills. Share examples of how you've coached or developed team members in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and engage others!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Cawood!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense

✨Know Your Chemistry

Brush up on your knowledge of wet chemistry techniques and laboratory standards, especially ISO and UKAS requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a laboratory setting. Think about specific instances where you motivated your team or improved performance. This will demonstrate your ability to drive engagement and foster a positive culture.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research Cawood's values and work environment. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and share ideas on how you can contribute to their collaborative and friendly atmosphere.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to continuous improvement and team development.

Wet Chemistry Manager in Bracknell
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
Location: Bracknell

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

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