At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical integrity and compliance for asbestos consultancy activities.
- Company: Franks Portlock, a leading environmental management consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, hybrid vehicle, pension, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in environmental safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in asbestos consultancy and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a rapidly expanding team with excellent personal development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Head office – 1A Hylton Park, Sunderland, SR5 3HD
Salary: £40-50k depending on experience
Hours: Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
Overview
Franks Portlock is a UKAS-accredited Testing Laboratory and Inspection Body No. 4155, and a leading environmental management consultancy specialising in asbestos and water hygiene services. With almost two decades of industry experience, we provide comprehensive asbestos surveying, sample analysis, air testing, four-stage clearance testing, and a full range of environmental and compliance consultancy services. In addition to our asbestos expertise, Franks Portlock delivers a wide portfolio of water hygiene and treatment services designed to help organisations maintain safe and compliant water systems. Our work supports adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the requirements of HSE’s L8 ACOP, ensuring safe water management across all types of premises.
The Role
The Technical Manager is responsible for the technical integrity, compliance, and professional standards of all asbestos consultancy activities undertaken by the organisation. The postholder holds delegated authority for ensuring that all surveying, inspection, testing, and analytical services are delivered in accordance with current legislation, HSE guidance, ISO 17020 & 17025 requirements, UKAS accreditation standards, and recognised industry best practice. This role provides independent technical oversight across all operational regions and has the authority to intervene, suspend, or escalate work where compliance, safety, or technical quality is at risk.
The Technical Manager has responsibility for:
- Maintaining the technical validity and integrity of all accredited and non-accredited asbestos activities.
- Ensuring competence, authorisation, and ongoing assessment of technical staff.
- Technical governance across surveying, air monitoring, 4-stage clearance, bulk analysis (where applicable), and related consultancy services.
- Supporting commercial and operational teams through technical expertise while maintaining independence in compliance matters.
- Acting as the primary technical contact during UKAS assessments and regulatory inspections.
As Technical Manager you will have:
- Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
- High level of technical judgement and professional integrity.
- Ability to interpret legislation and technical guidance.
- Effective communicator at operational and senior management levels.
- Strong organisational and documentation skills.
- Commercial awareness balanced with regulatory discipline.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and technical reporting systems.
Essential qualifications and experience:
- Minimum 5 years’ demonstrable experience in asbestos consultancy, inspection, and testing.
- Proven experience conducting 4-stage clearance and asbestos surveys.
- Experience within an ISO 17025-accredited environment.
- Experience conducting audits and competency assessments.
- Soils inspection, remediation, or water hygiene experience desirable but not essential.
- W504 and/or S301 (or equivalent) desirable.
- Certificate of Competence in Asbestos (CoCA) desirable or commitment to achieve.
- IOSH Managing Safely or higher (training may be provided if required).
- Formal ISO 17020 & 17025 internal auditor training.
- Additional technical or safety qualifications relevant to consultancy services.
Why Join Us
- Generous Holiday Package: Enjoy 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to choose one extra day of holiday or Vitality health insurance.
- Hybrid Vehicle & Fuel Card: All the tools you need to get the job done.
- Staff uniform and PPE.
- Company Pension.
- Employee Assistance programme (EAP) and fully qualified Mental Health First Aiders to support with your wellbeing!
- Family friendly policies.
- Employee of the month award.
- Employee representative at each of our sites to boost employee engagement!
- Personal Development Plan to help support and develop our employees.
- Social Value Volunteering opportunities.
- National Living wage employer.
To apply send your CV to recruitment@franksportlock.co.uk
Technical Manager in Sunderland employer: Franks Portlock Consulting Limited
Contact Detail:
Franks Portlock Consulting Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Technical Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their services, values, and recent projects. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in Franks Portlock and the role of Technical Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We can help you refine your answers, especially around technical judgement and compliance matters that are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Manager role. Highlight your experience in asbestos consultancy and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain what you did and how it relates to this position. Use specific examples of your leadership and decision-making capabilities, as these are key for us.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Franks Portlock Consulting Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to asbestos consultancy and compliance standards. Familiarise yourself with ISO 17020 & 17025 requirements, as well as HSE guidance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Manager, you'll need strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or made critical decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and guide others effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating complex technical information in a way that's easy to understand. You might be asked to explain how you would handle compliance issues, so being clear and concise will work in your favour.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's operations, culture, and future plans. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.