Casework Support Team Leader

The primary purpose of the casework support team leader is to manage a team of casework support officers in the Toxicology department to ensure team members execute all aspects of their work to a high standard, in line with the requirements of UKAS and the Forensic Science Regulator, and working efficiently within contractual turnaround times agreed with the customer, and in the most cost-effective manner possible.

In addition, you will undertake your own casework in line with the job description for the Casework Support Officer, as appropriate, comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and meet the targets applicable to the team. You will continually review processes and procedures with a view to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of the services provided and will utilise this time to assess the working environment, monitor and promote good working practices among employees, reviewing the process and suggest improvements.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

You will lead a team of casework support officers in the day-to-day delivery and management of their work to the satisfaction of the customer and to specified standards. You will work with the Business Unit Manager (BUMA), Operations Leads and other Team Leads to achieve organisational goals, as demonstrated through various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), agree priority tasks and targets for individual team members to ensure target dates are met and cases are invoiced in a timely manner, and ensure sufficient resources are available for those targets to be met. In conjunction with the BUMA, you will help to build and achieve the team strategy, set goals, drive improvement, continuously monitor performance of individual team members, assist in any required remedial actions, carrying out performance appraisals, and oversee mentoring and professional development. When necessary, you will liaise with other Team Leaders, Operations Leads, the BUMA, and the Cluster Manager to identify resources available from outside the team.

To fulfil this role, it is preferable to have previous experience working in an administrative role, preferably in a scientific or professional environment. You must have good general business awareness and a clear understanding of the services provided by the toxicology department and the various requirements of each customer. It would be beneficial for you to have experience managing others and/or to have attended management courses. It would also benefit to be fully trained and competent in the area in which you would be leading. Previous experience with the use of a LIMS system will be advantageous but not essential. You will have the ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues by written and verbal exchanges. You will have excellent attention to detail and a high accuracy of work. Previous experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and with operating general office equipment would be beneficial to the role. Experience in training, coaching, or mentoring would also be beneficial.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be enthusiastic and have a proactive approach in carrying out daily duties while also displaying patience, determination, and integrity at all times. You must be able to respond effectively to unexpected additional work loads and adopt a flexible approach to the varied demands of the job and working hours. You must also demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of the role due to the highly sensitive nature of the work undertaken in the team. You will have a strong customer focus and be able to identify the needs of each customer (internal and external), maintain clear communications, monitor satisfaction levels, and respond effectively to enhance the reputation of Eurofins Forensic Services. You will work co-operatively with others and focus on collective, rather than individual, goals. You will be able to inspire and motivate others by setting clear objectives and expectations and by communicating a clear plan to meet performance metrics. You will recognise the need for structure and clarity and identify priorities and actions to enable the delivery of short-term goals or meet service delivery standards and objectives; then communicating these plans to the appropriate people. You will seek to identify the development needs of the team and provide the opportunities to realise the potential of individuals and the team. You will proactively provide and/or seek out coaching, training, and experiences to improve job performance and assist long-term personal growth and development plans of your team. You will have a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement and act as a role model for other members of the team as well as be willing to take on extra duties or responsibilities when necessary.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Security clearance is undertaken by a third party to police personnel vetting standards (NPPV3 and SC), as such any criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/police-forces/warwickshire-police/areas/warwickshire-police/about-us/about-us/police-national-vetting-service/ . In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment and provide a DNA sample.

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, volunteering days, buy and sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)
• Scottish Widows Company Pension Plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to a maximum of 30 days)
• Employee length of service awards and yearly recognition schemes, celebrating work anniversaries here at EFS.
• Employee tech scheme
• Discount vouchers and flexi reward points on our employee wellness hub
• Everyone who joins EFS will have access to Perkbox allowing you to save money all year round on a wide range of perks such as supermarket savings, days out or your daily coffee
• Learning and study support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan membership
• Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to mental health support and wellbeing
• Free on-site car parking