Cawood
Analytical Laboratory Manager
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Job Description
Location
This role is located in Marchwood, within the Cawood Scientific Environment Division. Marchwood, part of Cawood, was established in 1998 and performs a range of specialist analytical testing services to customers operating in the Environmental, Industrial and Agricultural Sectors from its three laboratories based in the South and North of England. As a leading UK Dioxin and Furans analysis laboratory and the UK’s leading specialist laboratory for independent occupational hygiene analysis, Marchwood offers a range of services for the environmental, occupational and food/feed sectors. Learn more about Marchwood by clicking here.
Job Title
Analytical Laboratory Manager
Permanent | Full-Time
Location
Marchwood - Southampton
Job Description
Are you an experienced analytical laboratory professional looking to take the next step in your leadership career? We are seeking a dynamic Laboratory Manager to lead our Sample Extraction and Analytical teams within our ISO 17025 & MCERTS accredited laboratory, specialising in the analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants, including Dioxins & Furans. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident people leader who thrives in a fast-paced, highly technical environment and is passionate about delivering operational excellence.
About the Role
As our Laboratory Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day performance of approximately ten technicians and analysts, ensuring the smooth running of all extraction and analytical operations. Working closely with Health & Safety, Technical, Quality, Customer Services and wider operational teams, you will ensure that client samples are processed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
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You will champion continuous improvement, drive team development, and help shape the future of our laboratory’s capabilities.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leadership & People Development
- Inspire, motivate and lead a high-performing team through coaching and supportive management.
- Identify training needs and create development opportunities to enhance team capability.
- Build a culture of transparency, trust, and empowerment, enabling confident, independent decision-making.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure safe and efficient daily laboratory operations, meeting agreed turnaround times and quality criteria.
- Troubleshoot technical, instrumental, and methodological issues alongside supporting long-term improvements.
- Plan and manage departmental workflow to maximize productivity and efficiency.
- Support method development, validation, and the launch of new analytical services.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain full compliance with ISO 17025, MCERTS, and internal procedures.
- Manage chemical and consumable controls and ensure equipment and instrumentation are maintained through effective liaison with engineers and service providers.
- Lead timely investigations into non-conformances, implementing corrective and preventative actions.
- Promote a safe, tidy, and high-quality working environment.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
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- Support meetings with key clients, understanding their requirements and ensuring satisfaction.
- Work collaboratively with Customer Services and Business Development teams to deliver exceptional service.
- Communicate regularly with operational leaders, HR, and other stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement across processes, standards, and performance metrics.
- Encourage innovative thinking and cross-team collaboration to enhance outcomes for colleagues and customers.
Role-Specific Requirements
We Are Looking For Someone Who Can Demonstrate
- Experience within an analytical laboratory environment.
- Proven success leading teams within an ISO 17025 / MCERTS accredited laboratory.
- Strong experience managing and developing technicians and analysts.
- Knowledge or experience with High-Resolution instruments, GC-QQQ, LC-QQQ, or POP analysis (advantageous).
- Experience in identifying, developing, and implementing Lean or other operational efficiency processes.
What We Offer
- The chance to lead a specialist team at the forefront of environmental and chemical analysis.
- Career development opportunities, including training such as Fire Marshal, First Aider, Internal Auditor, and more.
- A supportive environment where innovation and professional growth are actively encouraged.
If you are a proactive leader with strong technical expertise and a passion for continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of our laboratory operations.
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