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- Tasks: Lead and ensure compliance in asbestos consultancy activities across the organisation.
- Company: Franks Portlock, a leading environmental management consultancy with nearly two decades of experience.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, hybrid vehicle, pension, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in environmental safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in asbestos consultancy, strong leadership, and technical judgement required.
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
About Us
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.
Operating from offices in London, the Midlands, the North East and North West of England, and Rosyth, we continue to expand rapidly across both our asbestos and water hygiene divisions. Franks Portlock is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome all applications.
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.
Technical Manager in Sunderland employer: Franks Portlock Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Franks Portlock Ltd. 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 industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. 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 the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and compliance standards. We recommend practising common interview questions related to asbestos consultancy and being ready to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe it helps keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us, so don’t miss out on that opportunity!
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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for us at Franks Portlock. Share specific examples of your leadership and technical expertise that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any technical reporting systems you’ve used. We value strong organisational skills, so let us know how you keep everything in check!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Franks Portlock Ltd.
✨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 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 helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals. It’s a two-way street!