Chemistry Laboratory Manager

Alpha Scientific is at the forefront of chemical and microbiological testing, reliably providing organisations with detailed analysis of water and air quality.

We are a team of highly skilled and trained scientists who work from purpose-built, UKAS accredited laboratories in Sittingbourne, Slough and Manchester.

Now part of the Genuit Groups' Climate Management Solutions (CMS) business unit, Alpha has ambitious growth plans.

The Role

The Chemistry Laboratory Manager is responsible for the daily operational, technical, financial, and people management operations of the chemistry analytical laboratory. The role ensures full compliance with ISO 17025, customer-specific standards, and all relevant regulatory and health and safety requirements, while driving continuous improvement, productivity and service excellence.

The post holder will ensure the laboratory operates with operational flexibility, so capacity aligns with incoming sample volumes to maintain high productivity and market leading turnaround times. This will be driven by:

• Strong people leadership
• Process and continuous improvement
• Change management
• Service delivery excellence
• Cost control and commercial awareness

Responsibilities

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy within the framework of ISO 17025, UKAS, H&S, and regulatory standards.
• Responsible for planning workload, prioritising activities, and providing direct line management and technical guidance to the chemistry team.
• Regular engagement in management meetings, monthly performance and UKAS and customer audits
• Daily independent decision-making on operational priorities, staff management, non-conformances and customer complaints
• Represents the laboratory during customer and accreditation audits.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating analytical methods and SOPs in collaboration with the Quality Manager.
• Lead all water chemistry analytical operations, including process water, drinking water, wastewater, surface water, and trade effluent.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, UKAS requirements, and relevant regulatory standards
• Oversee method validation, verification, and uncertainty of measurement and instrument performance
• Review, authorise, and release analytical results and certificates of analysis.
• Assist in the review, improvement, and development of new analytical methods that bring business benefits.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System.
• Lead internal audits, management reviews and corrective and preventive actions
• Ensure all customer contractual and regulatory requirements are fully met.
• Maintain all UKAS accreditations and external approvals.
• Liaise with statutory bodies, professional organisations, and suppliers.
• Promote a strong safety culture by applying and enforcing all company H&S policies, COSHH and risk assessments and environmental policies
• Responsibility for: recruitment, retention, motivation, mentoring, coaching, performance management in line with agreed KPIs
• Drive a quality-driven service culture.
• Act as a role model for Genuit Trademark Behaviours
• Provide technical support to external customers, sales and account management
• Support the development and optimal use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Champion continuous improvements

The Person

• Degree in Chemistry or related discipline
• Previous laboratory management experience.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025.
• Proven experience in chemistry analysis.
• Excellent communication skills with confidence when dealing with customers, UKAS, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong leadership and team motivation ability.
• Financially and IT literate.
• Demonstrated ability to work to targets and manage expectations.
• High attention to detail with a strong understanding of laboratory business processes.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Maintain an open, honest, and approachable management style.

The Benefits

• 25 days holiday
• Pension contribution matched up to 8%
• Life Assurance 3x base salary
• Private health scheme
• Genuit sharesave scheme