Head of Laboratory

This is more than just a new role—it’s a pivotal opportunity to shape the next exciting chapter of our business growth. As the driving force behind our laboratory operations, you’ll have a direct impact on performance across every area, from day-to-day efficiency to long-term strategic success.

In this role, you’ll take the helm in managing and optimising operations, ensuring our business goals are not only met but exceeded. You’ll lead initiatives to boost performance, maximise profitability, and uphold the highest standards, including ISO/UKAS 17025 and other relevant industry regulations.

You’ll inspire and guide a talented team, developing and executing smart operational strategies that deliver exceptional results. Your leadership will keep quality high, customers happy, and employees motivated—making you a critical to our future success.

We’re looking for an accomplished laboratory leader with deep expertise in ISO/IEC 17025 and a passion for driving excellence. You’ll bring a proven track record in managing teams, improving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and delivering strategic growth—ideally within a UKAS-accredited food testing environment. With strong leadership, commercial acumen, and an unwavering commitment to quality, you’ll inspire your team, optimise performance, and help shape the future of our business in a fast-paced, regulated setting.

If this is you, then please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected] as soon as possible.

For more detailed information a full job description for the role is below.

Role: Head of Laboratory

Department: Laboratory (SIRA Prep, IRMS, ICP-MS and DNA)

Reports to: Managing Director

Salary: Dependent on expertise

Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm (40 hours per week)

Location: The role is based full time at our lab in Norwich

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Laboratory Management:

• Management of the day-to-day operation of the labs to ensure all practices and processes are maintained in line with the ISO 17025 standard as detailed in the laboratory quality manual. Ensure procedures and resources are fit for purpose. 
• Ensure equipment, facilities, and resources are maintained and optimally utilised
• Long term people resource planning.
• Continually strive to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve turn-around times.
• Monitoring laboratory performance and initiating actions to strengthen results.
• Full line Management of Laboratory Supervisors and overall people management for all laboratory staff (day to day operational management of the Lab Technician positions will sit with the Supervisors)
• Oversee the management and budgets for consumables.

Leadership and Management:

• Lead and motivate teams to achieve the organisation’s goals.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that promotes teamwork and collaboration.
• Set clear expectations and performance goals for staff, monitor performance, and provide ongoing feedback.
• Foster collaboration and a high-performance culture
• Co-lead monthly Lab and Technical Services management meeting with the Technical Manager
• Ensure training records are maintained and training plans are implemented for all staff through liaison with the Laboratory Supervisors and the Training Manager
• Key liaison with internal and external stakeholders
• Drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement and scientific excellence.
• Plan and manage laboratory expansion, upgrades, or new initiatives.

Financial Management:

• Monitor financial performance, identify areas of improvement, and take corrective action to stay within budget
• Develop and implement business strategies to meet revenue, profitability, and growth targets
• Set and track key performance indicators (KPIs), and present findings to senior leadership
• Oversee procurement and inventory control of reagents, equipment, and supplies
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment investments

Strategic Planning:

• Attend regular Strategy Meetings with the leadership team.
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop long-term goals, strategies, and objectives.
• Analyse market trends, industry developments, and competitor activities to inform decision-making and positioning.
• Ensure the organisation’s strategies align with broader company goals and drive business growth.
• Deliver laboratory development plans to ensure a robust business pipeline in line with business objective and revenue goals.

 Quality, Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure that the business adheres to all relevant regulations, policies, and standards.
• Ensuring that all laboratory procedures comply with regulatory standards, maintaining documentation, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and training laboratory staff on quality protocols. Reporting the status and effectiveness to the Quality Manager as required.
• Facilitate regular checks of materials, equipment, workplaces and personnel through inspections and audits to ensure compliance with legislation and standards.
• Maintain a safe working environment in compliance with health & safety regulations.
• Manage hazardous materials and waste protocols
• Working with the Training and Health and Safety Manager ensure training in biosafety, chemical safety, and emergency procedures

 Reporting and Communication:

• Regularly report to senior leadership on company performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels to keep them informed about key decisions, goals, and company initiatives.

About you

We are seeking an experienced and qualified laboratory leader with strong knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to manage teams, improve performance, control budgets, and drive strategic growth. Strong leadership, communication, and a commitment to quality and compliance are essential.

Qualifications and Training

• Degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, or equivalent)
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Training in ISO/IEC 17025 standard requirements

Experience

• Proven experience in leading and managing a laboratory function in a regulated environment
• Demonstrated experience of working with and maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, ideally in a UKAS accredited food testing laboratory
• Significant experience in operational planning, people management, and laboratory resource coordination
• Track record of improving laboratory efficiency, performance, and profitability
• Experience in managing budgets and financial planning
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation of growth initiatives

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of laboratory quality systems and regulatory compliance, particularly ISO/IEC 17025
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with an evidence-based decision-making
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of cost control and performance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Competency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and general IT systems

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, results-driven, and commercially aware
• Strong integrity and commitment to maintaining quality and compliance
• Able to work collaboratively across departments and influence at all levels
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to leadership
• High attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement
• Must uphold and implement the company confidentiality, equality, and anti-bribery policies at all times, to operate with the highest integrity and ethical values in line with the company culture and to protect, uphold and enhance the company’s reputation at all times.