Laboratory Manager - Colour Manufacturing in Billericay

Start your career journey with Univar Solutions! Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you. As a specialist colour supplier providing bespoke pigments, dyes and colour blends to manufacturers across numerous industries, we are looking to appoint a Laboratory Manager to join our Billericay Colour facility.

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the laboratory function, managing a small team of two direct reports. This is a pivotal position that underpins the smooth and compliant operation of the site, ensuring high standards across quality, safety, and technical performance. The ideal candidate will bring knowledge of food and/or pharma regulations and certifications i.e. FDA colour specifications, IPEC Guidelines, FSSC 22000, HACCP principles, and broader quality management systems. A solid understanding of production processes - particularly mixing, milling, and product formulation - as well as familiarity with specialised laboratory and production equipment, is essential.

In addition to overseeing the laboratory's day-to-day operations, the role will also support the Quality Control function during periods of team absence, requiring flexibility and a hands-on approach.

What you’ll do:

• Manage laboratory resources to meet production testing demands and support all product development needs.
• Ensure all lab equipment is maintained, calibrated, documented, and supported by up-to-date COSHH information and required risk assessments (including COSHH).
• Shape and deliver the laboratory’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
• Establish, implement, and uphold robust quality control procedures, policies, and standards across all production stages.
• Analyse production performance to identify improvements, implement corrective actions, and drive first-time pass rates.
• Create, track, and continuously refine departmental KPIs.
• Drive non-conformance resolution through CAPA and Root Cause (5 Why’s).
• Support and contribute to internal audits, external certifications (e.g., ISO), and work with site management, regulatory bodies, and the Commercial team for Kosher and Halal audits.
• Partner with suppliers and vendors to verify the quality of incoming raw materials and ingredients.
• Uphold strict PPE adherence for laboratory and production staff.
• Maintain responsibility for Food Safety and IPEC compliance.

What you’ll need:

• Chemistry or Pharmaceutical degree or demonstrable experience in a comparable role with the capability to confidently handle analytical chemistry techniques and equipment.
• Pharmaceutical or Food hands-on experience.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong IT proficiency with excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Adaptable and effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Confident communicator, able to engage clearly and professionally with stakeholders at all levels.

What we offer:

• Competitive Market Salary Plus Excellent Company Benefits Including Pension Scheme, Discounted Private Health, 33 days holiday.
• Permanent - Full Time.

Where you will work:

Billericay, Essex - On-site Univar Colour Victoria House, Radford way, Billericay, Essex CM12 0DX.

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives - from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe! We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges and respects the unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise of every employee. Through our dedicated Employee Resource Networks, we provide the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry while making a difference in our communities. Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.