Laboratory Operations Manager

PlantSea is a VC-backed, UKRI award-winning biotech start-up developing a new platform technology to replace single-use plastics using seaweed. We are advancing the development of biodegradable solutions across various sectors, including household, laundry and personal care products, food and other industrial packaging, as well as agriculture.

We are a small, growing, and highly technical team operating in a fast-moving sector. As we scale, we are focused on building robust, high-quality laboratory operations that meet the expectations of funders, industrial partners, and future manufacturing collaborators. We value creativity and innovation, which inspire us to push the boundaries in all aspects of our business to invent truly cutting-edge solutions. We thrive on overcoming challenges, knowing that each obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Above all, we are dedicated to sustainability and believe our work has the power to make a real and lasting impact on the world. We offer a friendly and socially responsible workplace and are committed to developing our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to join PlantSea at a formative stage and play a defining role in how our laboratory operates, performs, and scales.

The Laboratory Operations Manager will lead and continuously develop PlantSea’s laboratory operations, creating a safe, compliant, and high-performing environment that enables high-quality research and scale-up activity. This is a hands-on, high-trust leadership role suited to someone with a scientific background who enjoys responsibility, autonomy, and building effective systems in a fast-paced start-up environment. The role has a significant impact on the business, shaping how laboratory work is delivered today while establishing the operational foundations for future growth.

While the role includes practical technical involvement when required, it is primarily focused on operational leadership, people management, systems development, compliance, and decision-making. In the absence of the CTO, this role acts as the senior operational authority within the laboratory, ensuring momentum, alignment, and standards are maintained.

As a growing start-up, PlantSea’s priorities and ways of working evolve quickly, and this role requires flexibility, resilience, and sound judgement in navigating change.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Deputising
  • Lead the laboratory as a high-performing operational environment, setting expectations, standards, and ways of working.
  • Act as the operational owner of the laboratory, with authority to make day-to-day decisions.
  • Deputise for the CTO on all laboratory operational matters.
  • Translate strategic technical priorities into clear, executable laboratory plans.
  • Anticipate and resolve operational and technical issues before they impact delivery.
  • Coordinate priorities across laboratory users, projects, and resources.
• Laboratory Operations, Equipment & Facilities
  • Own the smooth day-to-day running of the laboratory environment.
  • Maintain oversight of all laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
  • Schedule and manage servicing, calibration, and preventative maintenance.
  • Coordinate repairs and respond to equipment breakdowns pragmatically and efficiently.
  • Lead equipment procurement, installation, and commissioning.
  • Maintain accurate equipment records and documentation.
• Procurement, Supply Chain & Raw Materials
  • Own laboratory procurement processes and supplier coordination.
  • Manage consumables, reagents, and raw material inventories.
  • Coordinate sourcing, handling, and storage of raw materials, including seaweed biomass.
  • Maintain supplier relationships, lead times, and stock availability.
  • Implement and maintain effective inventory tracking and reorder systems.
• Quality Management, Compliance & Environmental Controls
  • Own, maintain, and evolve PlantSea’s laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) in a proportionate and pragmatic manner.
  • Ensure quality systems support reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity.
  • Own laboratory compliance across: Health & Safety, COSHH, Waste management and discharges (where applicable), Environmental controls and permits (where applicable).
  • Maintain risk assessments, safety documentation, and training records.
  • Act as the first point of contact for laboratory compliance and H&S matters.
  • Support audit readiness for funders, partners, and future certification requirements.
• Laboratory Systems & Process Development
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve laboratory operational systems.
  • Develop SOPs, workflows, and record-keeping practices that support efficient delivery.
  • Improve organisation, traceability, and operational clarity across lab activities.
  • Embed good laboratory practice without unnecessary bureaucracy.
  • Implement tools for scheduling, tracking, and documentation.
• Project Coordination & Delivery Support
  • Support coordination of laboratory-based projects, including grant-funded work.
  • Translate project plans into practical laboratory execution.
  • Coordinate timelines, resources, and dependencies across workstreams.
  • Maintain clear project records, documentation, and evidence.
  • Track progress against internal milestones and flag risks early.
• Technical & Scientific Contribution
  • Provide hands-on technical support to laboratory activities when required.
  • Act as a technically informed contributor to research planning and day-to-day decision-making.
  • Interpret agreed R&D strategy and priorities into focused laboratory action in the absence of the CTO.
  • Support experimental design, troubleshooting, prioritisation, and momentum.
  • Serve as a technical sounding board for laboratory staff, supporting problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Line manage laboratory technicians, providing clear direction, feedback, and support.
  • Set expectations for performance, quality, and conduct within the laboratory.
  • Support onboarding, training records, and competency development.
  • Coordinate workload planning and day-to-day resourcing.
  • Act as an escalation point for operational and team issues.
  • Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in a scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment with real operational responsibility.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with laboratory compliance, H&S, and documentation.
• Confidence managing equipment, suppliers, and inventories.
• Ability to work independently, exercise judgement, and take ownership.
• Experience in biotech, bioprocessing, materials, or chemical labs.
• Experience in scale-up or pilot environments.
• Familiarity with grant-funded projects.
• Experience supporting junior staff or technicians.

Personal Attributes

• Calm, reliable, and highly organised.
• Practical, solutions-focused, and resilient under pressure.
• Comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions.
• Sharp judgement and strong prioritisation skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with low ego and high standards.
• Takes pride in building systems and environments that work well and hold up over time.

Please note, we are unable to sponsor VISA applicants at this time.

Please send any inquiries to PlantSea Recruitment Team: recruitment@plantsea.co.uk