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- Tasks: Lead and manage water testing teams, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Company: Portsmouth Water is dedicated to providing sustainable water solutions for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of leave, a generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality while fostering a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: BSc in a scientific discipline and experience with ISO 17025 required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Portsmouth Water is seeking a Scientific Services Manager to lead and manage staff and workloads across both its ISO 17025 accredited water testing laboratory and its sampling operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the teams operate efficiently, cost-effectively, and in full compliance with regulatory and quality standards. This role includes acting as the ISO 17025 Technical Manager, ensuring that all technical activities meet the requirements of the accreditation. The manager will also support continuous improvement initiatives across both teams, fostering a culture of quality, collaboration, and operational excellence.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
Manage and develop the Company’s analytical and sampling resources (staff, equipment, subcontractors, and workload) to meet statutory, regulatory, and internal requirements.
Lead the section as the ISO 17025 Technical Manager, maintaining UKAS accreditation and ensuring all quality standards are met.
Oversee the operation and continuous development of the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS). Provide leadership, direction, and practical guidance to the Laboratory and Sampling teams, defining objectives and fostering a high-performance culture.
Manage departmental budgeting and recommend capital investment in laboratory equipment and infrastructure to support long-term operational efficiency.
Conduct internal audits and external supplier/service provider audits, ensuring corrective actions are implemented effectively.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of water quality regulations, industry best practices, and ensure company practices remain compliant and forward-thinking.
Ensure Health & Safety procedures are followed, including risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and safety audits within the laboratory environment.
Develop and maintain water quality monitoring systems and databases, ensuring accurate and timely data. Prepare monthly and annual water quality data reports, including customer contact data, for regulatory submission.
Represent the company in relevant industry networks and forums, contributing to collaborative research and influencing water quality improvements.
Manage recruitment, training, and professional development of laboratory and sampling staff, including conducting 1-1s, performance reviews, and succession planning.
Ensure that laboratory practices align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and maintain cleanliness, security, and functionality of laboratory facilities.
What do you need?
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
Accountable for own actions with a willingness to collaborate with others, whilst developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice with others.
Empathetic, Self-Aware, and Comfortable with constructively challenging areas that could be improved.
Systems based skills, open to learning new technology.
Passionate about providing an excellent service, to our customer, colleagues and across teams within Portsmouth Water.
Be flexible in your work to maintain operational requirements and to ensure positive outcomes are always achieved.
Maintains a helpful, customer focused work environment.
Exceptional record keeping skills to ensure audit trails are maintained.
BSc in chemistry, microbiology, or related scientific discipline.
Chartered Status of Relevant Body including an up-to-date CPD (Continuous professional development) record.
Management Level 5 qualification or relevant management experience.
Previous experience of working with ISO 17025 and Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS)
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
Please note, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
At Portsmouth Water, We Believe In Rewarding Our People. Here’s Just a Taste Of What’s Waiting For You When You Join The Team
Holidays Made Better
Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
A Pension That Works for You
We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
Performance Pays Off
You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
Family Comes First
Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
Peace of Mind, Always
Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
Support When You Need It
We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer both Private Medical Insurance and an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.
PW Perks Treat Yourself!
Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:
- Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan and so much more!
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Scientific Services Manager employer: Portsmouth Water
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Services Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ISO 17025 standards and the Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS). Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the water quality sector. Attend industry events or join relevant forums to connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide insights into the company culture at Portsmouth Water and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and resources effectively. Highlight any past successes in leading projects or initiatives that improved operational efficiency, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Scientific Services Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to continuous improvement. Be ready to share examples of how you've implemented changes or improvements in previous roles, especially in laboratory settings, as this will resonate well with Portsmouth Water's focus on fostering a culture of quality and operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in scientific management, particularly in ISO 17025 accredited environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles that involved managing teams or projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for water quality and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Scientific Services Manager role. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to continuous improvement initiatives in past positions.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your BSc in chemistry, microbiology, or related fields. If you have Chartered Status or Management Level 5 qualifications, make sure these are prominent in your application.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Regulations: Demonstrate your understanding of water quality regulations and ISO standards in your application. Mention any experience you have with audits or compliance to show that you are well-versed in maintaining high-quality standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth Water
✨Understand ISO 17025 Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the ISO 17025 standards and how they apply to water testing. Be prepared to discuss your experience with quality management systems and how you can ensure compliance in the laboratory.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Scientific Services Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed staff, fostered collaboration, and driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Water Quality Regulations
Stay updated on current water quality regulations and industry best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these standards within the company and ensure ongoing compliance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to conduct audits, manage budgets, or handle safety procedures, and be ready to explain your approach.