At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic lab team, ensuring high standards and smooth operations.
- Company: Innovative laboratory in Gateshead focused on precision and teamwork.
- Benefits: Autonomy to improve processes, supportive environment, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Shape lab operations and foster team success in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in lab management, ISO standards, and team leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and making a real difference.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you thrive in a fast-paced lab where accuracy matters, standards are high, and no two days look the same? Are you the kind of leader who knows their ISO from their UKAS, can spot a bottleneck a mile off, and still makes time to develop their team?
The Role
As our Laboratory Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our Gateshead laboratory, keeping everything running smoothly, safely and efficiently. You’ll lead a talented team of analysts and technicians, maintain UKAS-accredited standards, and drive continuous improvement across quality, service and technical capability. This is a hands-on leadership role with real influence — perfect for someone who enjoys balancing people management, technical excellence and operational performance.
What You’ll Be Doing (aka: Running the Lab Like a Pro)
- Leading a team of 10+ lab legends, keeping morale high, standards higher, and safety non-negotiable
- Being the calm, capable force behind a UKAS-accredited operation — ISO 17025 and LAB 30 are basically your second language
- Orchestrating the daily flow of samples, workflows and analysis so everything runs smoothly (and on time)
- Making sure results land where they should, when they should — hitting OTD targets without cutting corners
- Keeping a close eye on budgets, consumables and kit, ensuring the lab is well-stocked, well-equipped and well-run
- Training, authorising and developing your team — spotting potential, building confidence and growing capability
- Leading UKAS audits with confidence (and minimal stress), keeping compliance tight and documentation spotless
- Making sure the lab shines in RICE, AIMS, AISS, SEMS and other proficiency testing schemes
- Driving innovation by improving methods, upgrading capability and championing smarter ways of working
- Interpreting analytical data and translating numbers into meaningful, trusted results
- Acting as the lab’s technical north star — mentoring chemists and analysts, and setting the gold standard for safety and quality
About You
You’re a confident, people-focused leader with a strong technical background and a passion for doing things properly — and better every time. You’ll bring:
- Experience in asbestos testing or chemistry laboratory operations
- Proven experience managing teams
- A solid understanding of ISO 17025, LAB 30 or equivalent quality systems
- A track record of improving laboratory performance and customer service
- Experience managing budgets, resources and laboratory operations
- Competence in BOHS proficiency modules
- Strong knowledge of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Hands-on experience with UKAS accreditation and audit processes
Why Join Us?
Because this is more than managing a lab — it’s shaping how it operates, how it grows, and how people succeed within it. You’ll have the autonomy to make improvements, the support to lead confidently, and the chance to make a real impact from our Gateshead base. Plus, we believe laboratories should be places where high standards and great teamwork go hand in hand.
Laboratory Manager - Running a lab where precision, people and purpose meet in Gateshead employer: Lucion Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lucion Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager - Running a lab where precision, people and purpose meet in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Laboratory Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve improved lab performance or managed teams in the past. We want to see that you can bring your A-game to our Gateshead lab!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for quality and safety during interviews. Talk about your experience with ISO standards and how you’ve maintained compliance in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the job, but a perfect match for our lab culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager - Running a lab where precision, people and purpose meet in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Precision: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for lab work shine through. Talk about your experience with ISO standards and how you ensure accuracy in every task. We love candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to high-quality results!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to showcase your people management experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams and maintained morale in a fast-paced environment. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others while keeping everything running smoothly.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; give us the details! Mention specific projects or improvements you've implemented in previous roles. This helps us see how you can bring your expertise to our lab and drive continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucion Services Ltd
✨Know Your Standards
Brush up on ISO 17025 and LAB 30 before the interview. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will show that you understand the technical requirements of the role and can maintain the high standards expected in a UKAS-accredited lab.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you boosted morale, improved performance, or developed team members. This will demonstrate your people-focused leadership style and ability to manage a talented team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific lab situations, such as managing workflow bottlenecks or conducting audits. Think through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving, as this will showcase your operational performance skills.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Come prepared with ideas on how to drive innovation and improve lab processes. Discuss any past experiences where you implemented changes that enhanced efficiency or quality, showing that you're proactive about making things better.