QUALITY MANAGER: TOXICOLOGY

KFS are one of the leading forensic providers in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality service and building strong working relationships with our customer base. Our team of forensic scientists are experienced in the interpretation and reporting of a wide range of evidence types in support of criminal investigations. We are passionate about supporting the Criminal Justice system and want to hear from potential employees who share that same passion. Please read the requirements of the job carefully as your application will be measured against them. Please ensure you have the experience we are looking for. This is a specialist role and as such we will only shortlist those with the relevant experience and attributes.

In this role, you will join an established Quality Management Team that is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the Key Forensic Services’ (KFS) Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance to International Standards, including but not limited to; the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories ISO: 17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice (FSR CoP). Your role will be to carry out the responsibilities of a Quality Manager within the Toxicology department to assist the Head of Quality in ensuring that the team maintains high quality, compliant services, and improves functions of KFS QMS, to achieve business objectives and appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Responsibilities

• Work with the Head of Quality to support the maintenance of existing areas of accreditation within Toxicology, assist extensions to scope and KFS compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage day-to-day quality based tasks within Toxicology, ensuring they meet their internal Quality KPIs.
• Manage compliance with all related regulations and guidelines, including ISO17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.
• Oversight of Toxicology investigations arising from quality failures. Undertaking root cause analysis, advising on preventative and corrective actions and ensuring delivery and effectiveness of actions.
• Work with staff and managers in the specified work areas to continuously improve the Toxicology quality system and ensure best practice.
• Manage, with participation as appropriate, Toxicology process/technical audits.
• Oversee and maintain the Toxicology proficiency testing programme and QC/QA activities.
• Document, monitor and advise on validations/verification exercises.
• Liaise with United Kingdom accreditation bodies (The United Kingdom Accreditation Service – UKAS) and supervise assessment visits.
• Communicate with Senior Management on quality policy and issues, including playing a role in Management reviews.
• Train and/or mentor members of the Toxicology team in quality-based support functions (e.g. investigation strategy setting and management, auditing, risk assessment, validation, verification and document control) as directed by the Head of Quality.
• Develop productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Requirements

Experience:

• Desirable to have experience in: Quality management within a technical setting. Managing incident investigations. Conducting technical quality audits.
• Experience in ISO 17025 requirements and process improvements, as a minimum.
• Experience in managing multiple tasks and managing competing priorities, ensuring the delivery of results on time.

Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills with the ability to tailor communication to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical thinker and problem solver, including ability to work under pressure, and plan and schedule resources effectively to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to motivate individuals in order to achieve key business objectives.
• Team worker with a willingness to support, engage & enthuse others.
• Highly motivated, resilient individual, who approaches work with a positive attitude.
• Able to work on their own initiative and with exceptional attention to detail.
• Unquestionable level of honesty and integrity.
• Strong professional ethics and commitment to work.
• Professional business disposition and of smart appearance.

Qualifications:

A scientific degree level qualification (or equivalent) is beneficial but candidates with relevant experience in place of a degree qualification will be considered.

Other information:

• Full time, onsite position
• Location: Warrington
• Reporting to: Head of Quality
• Salary £30,000-40,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays
• Pension – Contributory
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Retailer discounts

IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STRINGENT SECURITY VETTING YOU MUST HAVE RESIDED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR APPLICATION. WE CANNOT CONSIDER APPLICANTS THAT HAVE NOT LIVED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS AND YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A VALID RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK DOCUMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

KFS is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. One of our goals is to work within an environment free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice. We aim to embed this in all of our recruitment and selection policies, procedures and practices.

The closing date for this position is 23 January 2026 at 17:30 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage. Please note: due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard back from us within 4 weeks of the closing date please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.