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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations across cutting-edge technical laboratories.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team creating the future with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing facilities and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Lab Operations Manager at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
The Role
As a Senior Lab Operations Manager, you will provide operational leadership and subject matter expertise across a portfolio of technical laboratories and facilities. You will ensure facilities are safe, secure, compliant and available, while leading and coordinating a team of Facility Managers and working closely with engineering teams and delivery programmes to de-conflict demand and optimise utilisation.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing functional leadership to a team of Facility Managers and facility support staff
- Ensuring laboratories and facilities are safe, secure, compliant and fit for purpose
- Coordinating and de‑conflicting facility, equipment and resource usage with internal and external customers
- Maintaining compliance across H&S, security, governance, audit and accreditation requirements
- Leading continuous improvement activities to standardise and improve facility operations
- Supporting cost centre management and investment planning across assigned facilities
Essential experience of the Senior Lab Operations Manager:
- Experience managing multiple facilities, laboratories or complex technical environments
- People management experience, including all professional and personal development activities, managing and monitoring team members’ objectives to deliver effective services
- Strong understanding of health, safety and risk management in an operational setting by championing best practice promoting a positive safety culture in line with our business standards and expectations
- Ability to work with multiple stakeholders to balance competing priorities and resolve complex queries, escalating when appropriate
- Experience coordinating operational delivery within a regulated environment
Essential qualifications for the Senior Lab Operations Manager:
- Degree‑level qualification in engineering, technical or facilities discipline, or equivalent experience
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification (desirable not essential)
This role is 37 hours per week based at our Farnborough site, with visits to our Gosport site expected once per month.
Farnborough
At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state-of-the-art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation.
Why Join QinetiQ?
As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges. As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey.
Our Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
- Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
- Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community
Our Recruitment Process:
We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported.
Senior Lab Operations Manager in Farnborough employer: QinetiQ Security & Defense Contractors
Contact Detail:
QinetiQ Security & Defense Contractors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lab Operations Manager in Farnborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at QinetiQ on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching QinetiQ's latest projects and innovations. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also in being part of our mission to empower and protect lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the Senior Lab Operations Manager role, so be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lab Operations Manager in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Lab Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience managing multiple facilities and your understanding of health and safety regulations. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our innovative environment. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Lab Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to highlight your people management experience and any successful projects you've led. We want to know how you inspire and develop your team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can explore more about our culture and values while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ Security & Defense Contractors
✨Know Your Facilities
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the specific facilities you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the Training Innovation Facility and the various systems like Hybrid Electric Drive Systems. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Senior Lab Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team of Facility Managers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on professional development and conflict resolution. Highlighting your people management experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of H&S regulations and risk management. Share specific instances where you've championed safety practices or improved compliance in previous positions to showcase your commitment to creating a safe working environment.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll need to balance competing priorities and work with multiple stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex queries or coordinated operational delivery in a regulated environment. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and deliver results under pressure.