Team Leader – Classification Testing in Wallingford

Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Are you ready to lead with purpose and precision? At Fugro, we’re passionate about unlocking insights from the Earth to help build a safer and more sustainable world. As our new Team Leader for Classification Testing, you’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality classification testing that supports major infrastructure and environmental projects across the UK and beyond. You’ll be at the heart of our laboratory operations, guiding a skilled team and collaborating across departments to ensure excellence in every test result. If you thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and want to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to lead with confidence.

About the Role: As Team Leader, you’ll supervise and support a dedicated team of laboratory technicians, ensuring the smooth execution of classification tests. Reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager, you’ll be a key player in maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. This role is based on-site in Wallingford, working 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility around working hours depending on project needs. You’ll be contributing to Fugro’s mission by ensuring accurate and timely data that informs critical decisions in construction, energy, and environmental sectors. Your leadership will help drive continuous improvement and foster a collaborative, safety-first culture.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise the classification testing team, ensuring high standards in test execution and equipment maintenance.
• Perform classification tests independently and provide hands‐on support to the team when needed.
• Champion QA/QC processes and ensure compliance with laboratory and company-wide quality procedures.
• Collaborate with other laboratory teams to optimise resource sharing and workflow efficiency.
• Monitor testing schedules and deliverables, reporting progress and resolving issues proactively.
• Support team development through training, performance reviews, and competency audits.
• Promote a strong QHSSE culture and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Need to Thrive in This Role:

• A bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field – or equivalent experience.
• Solid experience in a soil testing laboratory, with solid knowledge of classification testing methods.
• Proven experience in managing small to medium teams, with strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written – with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Excel and laboratory testing software.

Benefits of joining our team:

• Extensive career & training opportunities both nationally and internationally.
• Competitive salary.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Health cash plan.
• Group life assurance.
• Group income protection.
• Electric car scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Discounts platform.
• The Fugro Card (pre-paid virtual visa card, which earns cash back automatically when money is spent at any participating retailers).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Long service awards.
• Fugro values awards.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.