Lab Manager / Operations Manager – Environmental Testing in Cambridge

We are seeking a Laboratory Manager / Operations Manager to lead operations within a high-throughput environmental testing laboratory based in Newmarket, near Cambridge, UK. This is a leadership role within a regulated scientific testing environment, responsible for driving operational performance, maintaining high-quality standards, and leading laboratory teams through a period of ongoing improvement and development. The role may be appointed at either Lab Manager or Operations Manager level, depending on experience and scope of responsibility, with oversight ranging from a single department to multiple laboratory functions.

The laboratory provides a broad range of environmental analytical testing services, including:

• Soil analysis
• Water testing
• Air quality monitoring
• Asbestos testing
• Pesticide and contaminant analysis

Operations are structured across three core functional areas:

• Organic chemistry testing
• Inorganic chemistry testing
• Sample reception, preparation, and registration

The site operates in a high-volume, regulated environment, requiring strong operational discipline, quality assurance, and effective team coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Provide strong, visible leadership across laboratory operations
  • Oversee day-to-day performance of one or more laboratory functions
  • Ensure efficient workflow across sample intake, processing, analysis, and reporting
  • Drive improvements in turnaround time, productivity, and service delivery
• People Management
  • Lead and develop laboratory teams (ranging from ~20 to 60 staff depending on seniority)
  • Foster a high-performance, engaged, and accountable team culture
  • Ensure effective workforce planning, supervision, and communication
  • Act as a visible presence on site, supporting and motivating teams
• Quality & Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with relevant regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., ISO 17025 or equivalent frameworks)
  • Ensure robust quality systems are followed and continuously improved
  • Support audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Promote a strong culture of quality and technical integrity
• Operational Improvement
  • Identify and implement process improvements across laboratory operations
  • Support turnaround and stabilisation initiatives where required
  • Work closely with technical and operational stakeholders to resolve bottlenecks

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in a laboratory operations or laboratory management role
• Minimum 4–5 years of team management experience
• Experience managing and developing operational teams in a laboratory or regulated environment
• Strong understanding of quality systems and their impact on business performance
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a hands-on, operational setting

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working within ISO 17025-accredited environments
• Background in chemistry, environmental science, or related scientific discipline
• Experience managing multiple laboratory functions or departments
• Exposure to high-throughput, production-style laboratory environments

Leadership & Behavioural Requirements

• Strong on-site leadership presence with a visible management style
• Ability to motivate and engage teams, particularly in a turnaround or improvement environment
• Hands-on operational mindset with a focus on delivery and results
• Comfortable managing complexity across multiple functions and priorities
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across teams

Role Structure & Seniority Levels

This position may be appointed at different levels depending on experience:

• Lab Manager Level
  • Typically responsible for a single function or team (~5–20 staff)
  • Focus on operational delivery, quality, and team management
• Operations Manager Level
  • Broader responsibility across multiple laboratory functions
  • Oversight of larger teams (approx. 40–60 staff)
  • Greater accountability for performance, improvement, and cross-functional coordination

Location & Working Pattern

Based in Newmarket, near Cambridge, UK. Fully site-based role. No meaningful remote working available due to operational requirements.

Package

Lab Manager Level: £52,000 – £60,000 base salary
Operations Manager Level: £65,000 – £75,000 base salary
Additional benefits: Bonus may be available for Operations Manager-level candidates. Additional benefits package in line with standard company policy.

Additional Context

The laboratory has undergone significant change following acquisition and is currently in a phase of operational stabilisation and improvement. As such, this role requires a leader who is comfortable working in a dynamic environment, with a strong focus on execution, team engagement, and continuous improvement.