Laboratory Manager - Bilston

Who We Are & What We Stand For

At CPI, we pride ourselves in our people and put diversity, equality, and inclusion at the forefront of our recruitment process. We realise how important and valuable it is to have a diverse workforce and the benefits that this brings. We understand our colleagues have commitments and we support a family-friendly environment and consider all our positions for full time, part time and flexible hours arrangements. We place great importance on the communities that we operate in as large sections of our workforce are based within the local areas of our sites. We undertake many local community and charitable support projects and have high levels of longevity within our Teams. We are keen to hear from candidates who are proud to work for a socially responsible company.

We also have many sustainability initiatives on our roadmap and, working with our Group Company – Grafton Plc, have significant support and drive to ensure we are operating in ways that are environmentally and socially aware. We are keen to hear from candidates who share in these values, who are keen to build a career that can grow and develop with our support over time and who have a passion for making a difference.

You will be managing the set up and day to day running of our National Laboratory, supporting a market leading business in conducting quality control testing of our raw materials and final products. This encompasses testing moisture content and grading of sand which is a key component of our Dry Mortar. We also test the physical properties of the final Dry Mortar product.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all processes and procedures associated with the Laboratory and its outputs as well as the oversight and people management of the Laboratory Technicians. This role reports directly into our Technical Manager and will also have responsibility for driving the future ambitions of the Laboratory as well as advising and supporting the Technical Manager on progress, objectives and projects. The role will be located at our Bilston plant but may require travel to other facilities as business needs arise. Our hours typically range are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday but we are very supportive in meeting flexible needs and responsibilities outside of work.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of a team of Laboratory Technicians including training & development, resourcing, task management and career support.
• Communicating with Plant Managers to obtain samples and organise daily testing schedule for technicians ensuring the daily workload is completed as expected.
• Review test results and follow up any trends on results statistics.
• Review complaints and non-conformities on a regular basis.
• Review Laboratory requirements and create a budget plan.
• Promoting high standards of housekeeping within the Laboratory.
• Inspect testing apparatus and ensure calibration status is maintained and that the apparatus is in good working order.
• Liaise with the Sales and Production departments both locally, and nationally, at all levels.
• Research and develop new raw materials, new products and new construction systems.
• Maintain CE mark testing of relevant products.
• Support the Technical Manager on any other ad-hoc business proposals and projects relating to the Laboratory and the outputs from it.

Job Requirements

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the requirements, we are looking for a well organised approach and a willingness to excel. We will support you with any training needed and whilst it will be valuable if you had experience in a Laboratory or Testing environment, this is not mandatory and an appetite for learning new skills would be fully supported. We’re looking for someone who is organised and conscientious and has previously managed a team with strong people management skills. The ideal candidate is someone who will have the willingness to grow and develop with us with the company providing the necessary product training, technical support and personal development.

What will you get from us?

• Competitive Pay – we review and benchmark our pay annually to remain competitive in the market.
• Paid Volunteer Leave – Take time to give back to your community or a charity close to your heart with 1 day of paid volunteer leave a year.
• Holiday – 31 days holiday (including bank holidays) which increases after 3, 5 and 10 years’ service.
• Long Service Awards – we recognise our long serving colleagues with extra holiday entitlement, donations to a charity of your choice and gift vouchers.
• Bonus – we all work hard to reach our targets and award quarterly or annual bonuses.
• Apprenticeships – various programmes and opportunities are available to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Development – opportunities for career progression are highly encouraged and supported through a mixture of certified routes, team mentorship and internal development.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme – for every 1% above the statutory 5% you contribute; CPI will match this contribution up to a total of 20% split between employer and employee with further details provided on joining.
• Employee Assistance Programme – administered by TELUS Health, we offer free and confidential support and counselling to help you through matters such as wellbeing, divorce, legal and financial management.
• Health Cash Plan – we will fund a Level 1 health cash plan with ‘SimplyHealth’ for all colleagues, which allows cash back to be claimed on a range of everyday medical treatments such as dental, optical and prescriptions. This cover also gives you the ability to book and attend video consultations with a GP.
• Life Assurance – if the worst should happen, life assurance ensures that those close to you have some protection by paying your annual salary to your chosen beneficiary.
• EarlyPay – allowing early access to earned wages when you need it most.
• Colleague Choice Awards – Colleague awards each month and annually for going above and beyond their duties nominated by colleagues.
• ShareSave Scheme – share in the success you help create. An easy way for you to save, starting at £5 a month you can build up a savings pot or use what you save to become a Grafton Group Plc shareholder.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – make serious savings on the costs of a bike and equipment (as well as commuting!) through salary sacrifice. Great for your physical wellbeing, environment, and wallet – win-win!
• Refer A Friend – receive a bonus for referring talented individuals to join our team.
• Colleague Discount – repair, maintain and improve your own home with discount at all Grafton Group businesses.
• Retail and Leisure Discounts – save money on day-to-day spending, our platform includes major supermarkets, cinemas, theme parks, restaurants and utilities!
• Gym Discounts – we have a network of 100’s of health clubs offering discounts to colleagues of up to 25% on self-paid gym memberships.