At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a cutting-edge analytical laboratory, ensuring top-notch operations and client satisfaction.
- Company: Join Cawood Scientific, a leader in environmental and chemical analysis with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Career development opportunities, training, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Innovative atmosphere with a focus on continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in environmental science while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in an analytical lab and proven team leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
About the Role
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
- 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 Millbrook employer: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
Cawood Scientific in Marchwood 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 make a meaningful impact in the industry. Join us to lead a high-performing team and shape the future of laboratory operations while enjoying a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Contact Details:
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Analytical Laboratory Manager in Millbrook
✨Tip Number 1
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✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Analytical Laboratory Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your experience. We believe that the more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you’re in front of the real interview panel.
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Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Laboratory Manager in Millbrook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant technical expertise, especially in an analytical lab setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Analytical Laboratory Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve contributed to operational excellence and team development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
✨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 High-Resolution instruments and GC‑QQQ. This will show that you're not just a good leader but also technically savvy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you inspired your team or implemented training programmes. Be ready to discuss how you build trust and empower your team members to make decisions.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to talk about your experience with Lean processes or any operational efficiency initiatives you've led. Highlight specific improvements you've made in previous roles and how they benefited the lab's performance and client satisfaction.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've interacted with clients and other departments in the past. Prepare to discuss how you ensure customer satisfaction and collaborate with teams like Customer Services and Business Development to deliver exceptional service.