Laboratory Manager (Operations & Contracts) in Wantage

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. Forensic Access - Part of Analytical Expert Labs - offers one of the broadest ranges of forensic services in the country. Our forensic services are conducted to the highest quality in our UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Manager to join our growing team.

The Position

The Laboratory Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the efficient, compliant, and high-quality delivery of forensic laboratory services within an accredited SME environment. Working closely with the Divisional Managing Director (DMD), the postholder will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, staff management, and contract administration. The role ensures full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, the Forensic Science Regulator's Codes of Practice and Conduct, and all relevant regulatory requirements while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management
  • Lead and oversee daily laboratory operations ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely service delivery.
  • Manage workflow, resource allocation, and staffing levels to meet operational and contractual commitments.
  • Maintain robust operational procedures in line with accreditation requirements.
  • Monitor KPIs and produce performance reports for senior leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, legal, and regulatory obligations.
  • Work closely with the Quality Manager and DMD to uphold quality and technical standards.
  • Lead cross-functional improvement projects.
  • Manage and mentor operational staff.
• Contracts & Client Management
  • Work with the DMD to manage clients contracts along with suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Work with the DMD on the full contract lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, and compliance monitoring.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring service expectations are met and issues resolved promptly.
  • Ensure adherence to contractual obligations, SLAs, and legal/regulatory requirements.
  • Support business development through operational input for proposals and tenders.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all contracts and related documentation.
• Leadership & Strategy
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to operations and contracts teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement including line management responsibilities.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and process improvement initiatives.
  • Identify operational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
  • Collaborate with senior management on performance, compliance, and risk.

Key Requirements

Essential:

• Degree in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent forensic operational experience.
• Strong knowledge of working within an ISO/IEC accredited environment (preferably 17025 with knowledge of forensic quality systems).
• Proven experience managing teams in a laboratory or technical environment.
• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable:

• Experience in SME forensic laboratory settings.
• Experience supporting tendering or contract management.
• Knowledge of commercial aspects of forensic service delivery.

Security Clearance

Due to the highly sensitive nature of forensic casework, security clearance is required. Applicants must have five years' continuous UK residency. Criminal convictions may prevent clearance from being granted.

Company Benefits:

• The company supports and encourages individuals to grow and develop with their career whilst balancing work and life, truly accommodating with life outside of the business.
• We are an ambitious, growing group of companies, but we maintain a small company culture.
• Company pension.
• Healthcare benefit including employee assist program and 24-hour GP line.
• Life insurance 3x salary.
• Free on-site parking.
• Employee recognition/long service awards.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Gym membership.
• Regular social events.

All employees must ensure that high quality standards are maintained and help drive continuous improvement. They must also abide by the Forensic Regulator's Codes of Practice and Conduct and the Forensic Access Code of Conduct.