Laboratory Services Manager

An opportunity has become available for a Laboratory Services Manager to join our Analytical Services team in Saltford. We are looking for someone with both technical and people management expertise to join our leadership team. You will work closely with the Head of Analytical Services and other laboratory managers, playing a key role in delivering an outstanding service.

Wessex Water's laboratory in Saltford analyses more than 100,000 samples a year from around the region. We are a scientific centre accredited to ISO 17025 that utilises world-class technologies and equipment to analyse water and environmental samples to protect both public health and the environment.

We are currently undertaking an ambitious programme of improvements to our facility, systems and processes. As the Laboratory Services Manager, you will be key to our success.

We would consider this role for part-time or flexible working.

What you'll do 

Your responsibilities will include:

• promoting good working relationships between the laboratory and other parts of the business, including internal customers (such as operational teams), IT teams and facilities management team
• promoting and managing external customer relationships
• managing the small team of Customer Liaison Administrators who act as the contact point for internal and external customer queries
• supporting the laboratory managers with planning sample workload across the laboratory
• collaborating with internal stakeholders to deliver business objectives and projects
• working closely with the Laboratory Quality Manager to ensure all customer interactions meet ISO 17025 requirements
• supporting the laboratory response to incidents and emergencies and coordinating resources and staff effectively
• supporting the laboratory teams to maintain quality standards and UKAS accreditation
• carrying out audits and completing full audit responses
• working as part of the laboratory management team to promote and support laboratory H&S requirements
• directing laboratory services and procurement to ensure the products purchased are of the appropriate quality and facilities are maintained
• proactively participating in the management of the laboratory and working with Technical Managers to deliver the quality and business objectives
• providing internal and external customers with advice, including interpreting methodology and results
• participating in the laboratory managers' standby rota.

What you'll need 

We are looking for:

• a degree-level qualification and you will likely hold chartered status with an appropriate professional body
• experience in a sampling or laboratory environment
• excellent people management skills
• an understanding of the regulatory requirements of the water industry and experience working in an accredited environment would be advantageous.

You should have strong interpersonal and leadership skills and be willing to contribute positively to the laboratory leadership team. You will be able to demonstrate aptitude in problem-solving and decision-making, be responsive to the needs of customers and be able to communicate effectively.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us. 

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350-acre former airfield into an award-winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors
• YTL Live – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.