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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic lab team, ensuring quality and precision in chemical analysis.
- Company: Join a specialised chemical manufacturing organisation focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Autonomy in your role, opportunities for mentorship, and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Analytical Chemistry and experience in QC or analytical labs required.
- Other info: Fast-moving lab environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Talent STEM are partnering with a highly specialised chemical manufacturing organisation operating within regulated industrial markets. This is a key senior laboratory position within a small, technically driven site where quality, precision and continuous improvement are central to success. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading day to day analytical and quality control activities while supporting production, technical development and wider operational objectives.
The Opportunity
This is not a routine testing role. You will be the technical authority within the laboratory, ensuring analytical robustness, data integrity and regulatory compliance in a fast paced manufacturing environment. You will work cross functionally with operations, technical and quality teams to ensure materials and finished products meet defined specifications and client expectations. The role offers significant autonomy and influence within a growing and evolving business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of the analytical laboratory in a deadline driven production setting
- Perform and oversee analysis of raw materials, intermediates and finished products using GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer and classical wet chemistry techniques
- Develop, optimise and validate analytical methods to ensure accuracy, repeatability and fitness for purpose
- Review and trend analytical data, identifying shifts, deviations and opportunities for improvement
- Maintain and improve quality systems aligned to ISO 9001 standards
- Manage laboratory documentation including specifications, SOPs, investigations and CAPA activities
- Support internal and external audits
- Troubleshoot instrumentation including GC, HPLC and associated gas generation systems
- Coordinate external service engineers for calibration, preventative maintenance and repair
- Mentor and develop junior analysts, setting clear technical expectations
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory and production processes
- Support technical and R&D activities including process development and specification setting
About You
You will be an experienced analytical chemist who thrives in a hands on manufacturing environment.
- Degree in Analytical Chemistry or closely related discipline
- Significant experience in a QC or analytical laboratory within chemical, fine chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Strong working knowledge of GC and HPLC operation and troubleshooting
- Experience with FTIR, Karl Fischer and titration techniques
- Understanding of analytical method development and validation
- Experience operating within ISO 9001 or comparable quality systems
- Strong data review skills with the ability to interpret trends and anomalies
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure
Working Environment
This is a site based laboratory role within a production facility. The environment is fast moving and requires adaptability, resilience and strong collaboration skills. The role involves handling chemicals and operating analytical instrumentation daily. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK as sponsorship is not available.
If you are a technically strong analytical chemist looking for a senior role where you can influence laboratory standards, mentor others and support operational growth, Talent STEM would be pleased to speak with you. To apply or request further information, please contact Talent STEM directly for a confidential discussion.
Laboratory Manager in Cambridge employer: Talent STEM Ltd
Contact Detail:
Talent STEM Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in the chemical manufacturing sector. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your analytical skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical expertise during interviews. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with GC, HPLC, and other analytical techniques. We want you to highlight how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles, as this will resonate well with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission in the laboratory space. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laboratory Manager role. Highlight your experience with analytical techniques like GC and HPLC, and don’t forget to mention any ISO 9001 experience. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your hands-on experience in a fast-paced lab environment and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Laboratory Manager, you’ll be leading a team. Make sure to highlight any mentoring or leadership experience you have. We want to know how you’ve developed junior analysts and set clear expectations in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent STEM Ltd
✨Know Your Analytical Techniques
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GC, HPLC, FTIR, and Karl Fischer techniques. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods and how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also execute these techniques effectively.
✨Demonstrate Quality Control Expertise
Since this role heavily focuses on quality control and compliance, prepare examples of how you've maintained or improved quality systems in past positions. Discuss your experience with ISO 9001 standards and any audits you've supported, as this will highlight your understanding of regulatory requirements.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share specific instances where you've troubleshot instrumentation issues or identified deviations in analytical data. Employers love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with solutions, so have a few stories in mind that demonstrate your analytical thinking and adaptability.
✨Highlight Leadership and Mentoring Experience
As a Laboratory Manager, you'll be expected to mentor junior analysts. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and any experiences you've had in developing others. This could include setting technical expectations or leading continuous improvement initiatives, which will show that you're ready to take on this pivotal role.