At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire laboratory teams to deliver high-quality analytical services.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, competitive pension, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values inclusion and celebrates uniqueness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and the environment while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline and significant leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
We're looking for an exceptional Head of Laboratory Services to lead and inspire our laboratory function, delivering high-quality, accredited analytical services that underpin safe drinking water and environmental excellence. This is a strategic leadership role, where you'll shape the future of laboratory services - ensuring regulatory compliance, driving innovation, and embedding a strong Quality First culture across the organisation. The role will primarily be based at our main laboratory in Exeter but encompasses leadership responsibility for our laboratory in Redhill and regular engagements with various teams in the South West, Bristol and Sutton and East Surrey operating regions.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead, develop, and inspire laboratory teams to deliver high performance and continuous improvement.
- Own and manage laboratory operations, budgets, and resources to drive efficiency and value.
- Ensure compliance with key standards including ISO17025, DWTS, and MCERTS accreditation.
- Drive a culture of excellence in analytical quality, safety, and customer service.
- Oversee accurate reporting and data returns, ensuring robust regulatory compliance.
- Work closely with internal teams, regulators, and external partners to deliver industry-leading outcomes.
- Champion innovation and commercial growth, expanding laboratory services to internal and third-party customers.
- Develop capability within the team through structured training and development programmes.
What we're looking for:
Qualifications:
- Degree in a relevant scientific discipline (essential).
- Professional or management qualifications (desirable).
- Health & safety qualification (essential).
- Full UK driving licence.
Experience:
- Significant leadership experience (10+ years) in laboratory, scientific, or water quality environments.
- Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and deliver operational excellence.
- Strong track record of working in highly regulated environments.
- Deep understanding of laboratory quality systems (ISO17025 or similar).
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Passion for data accuracy, scientific integrity, and customer outcomes.
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Bonus Plan.
- Private Healthcare.
- Company car or cash for car allowance.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Share-save scheme.
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes.
- Group discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Financial support services.
- Development and training opportunities.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact, purpose-driven function that protects public health and the environment, while shaping strategy, driving meaningful improvements across laboratory services, and working within a collaborative, innovative culture built on transparency and scientific excellence.
Closing Date: 3rd June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Locations
Head of Laboratory Services in Devon, Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Located in the picturesque landscapes of Exeter, our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and a strong focus on well-being, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare and generous annual leave. Join us to lead a purpose-driven laboratory team dedicated to safeguarding public health and the environment while enjoying a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Laboratory Services in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission, especially around sustainability and innovation, so you can show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your leadership experience and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Laboratory Services position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Laboratory Services in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Laboratory Services role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our goals at South West Water. We want to see how you can inspire teams and drive innovation!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s improving lab efficiency or leading a successful project, we love to see quantifiable results that reflect your capabilities.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for water quality and environmental excellence, and don’t hesitate to express why you’re excited about this opportunity with us!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be seen by the right people, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at South West Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laboratory standards like ISO17025 and MCERTS. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the regulations, but that you can lead a team in maintaining compliance.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them. This role is all about leadership, so be ready to demonstrate your experience.
✨Emphasise Innovation
South West Water is looking for someone who can drive innovation in laboratory services. Come prepared with ideas on how you could enhance their current processes or introduce new technologies. This will highlight your strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
✨Connect with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's core values: Be Rock Solid, Be You, and Be the Future. During the interview, relate your experiences and aspirations to these values. This will show that you align with their culture and are ready to contribute positively.
