Section Head

Section Head - Laboratory Operations

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Shift Pattern: 4 days on, 4 days off (9am - 9pm)
Salary: £32,896 per annum
Hiring Manager: Anna Momot

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Organise and manage laboratory teams to ensure accurate, efficient sample analysis within agreed turnaround times.
• Monitor workloads, staffing, equipment and consumable resources, escalating concerns to the Laboratory Manager.
• Ensure consistent adherence to quality, safety and compliance procedures, completing all required documentation accurately.
• Verify customer requirements before testing and confirm that samples are suitable for analysis.
• Manage day to day customer communications about sample analysis, providing updates on delays, queries and turnaround expectations.
• Oversee training and development of team members, ensuring competence in assigned duties and reporting progress to the Laboratory Manager.
• Monitor analytical work and results to maintain compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, Regulatory and Accreditation requirements.
• Ensure analytical results are calculated, checked and entered into LIMS promptly; support resolution of result related queries.
• Implement amendments to specifications and dilution standing data in response to customer requests or sample reviews.
• Assist with recruitment activities, performance management, staff motivation and disciplinary processes.
• Collaborate with the Laboratory Manager to identify and address unsafe practices, promoting a positive safety culture.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in a biological science discipline or significant experience in a high throughput laboratory.
• Strong technical knowledge and practical experience in food microbiology analysis across multiple methodologies.
• Proven experience in leading, motivating and developing laboratory teams.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and work independently.
• Strong communication skills, able to give clear instructions and build effective relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Sound understanding of laboratory quality systems and accreditation requirements.
• Commitment to maintaining standards in line with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017.
• Strong understanding of health and safety practices, including PPE, incident reporting and continuous safety improvement.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in a fast paced environment.

Benefits

• Annual leave starting at 23 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part time).
• Option to buy additional annual leave.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme.
• Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
• Recognition Awards and Perkbox membership.
• Learning/study support.
• Group Personal Pension Plan.
• On site car parking.

Equal Opportunity

Everyone Matters - ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are recognised and valued. ALS welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments are available upon request.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country they are applying for, or be able to obtain a valid working visa.