Chemistry Team Manager

A truly unique opportunity has become available for a Chemistry Team Manager to join our Laboratory team in Saltford. Ideally, specialising in Wastewater analysis, you will bring your chemistry technical expertise into a management role, where you will play a key role in shaping the way our expert chemistry teams work.  

What you'll do

Wessex Water's laboratory in Saltford analyses more than 160,000 samples a year from around the region. We are a scientific centre accredited to ISO 17025:DWTS and MCERTs that utilises world-class technologies and equipment to analyse water and environmental samples to protect both public health and the environment.

As Chemistry Team Manager, your responsibilities will include: 

• the responsibility for the health, safety, wellbeing and security of staff and equipment 
• managing and developing staff, including recruitment, technical progression and performance management
• ensuring compliance with the laboratory quality management system, taking a lead on internal and external audits, and proactively looking for improvements and efficiencies
• ensuring audit actions and any non-conforming work are followed up in a timely manner and to the highest quality standards, and implementing effective corrective actions
• reviewing methods and processes to ensure work is carried out to the appropriate regulatory requirements, looking for improvements and keeping up to date with changes in those requirements
• proactive participation in the management of the Scientific Centre and working with Technical Team Managers and Senior Compliance Team to deliver the Centre's quality and business objectives
• providing internal and external customers with advice, while also interpreting methodology and results
• coordinating out-of-hours and emergency response as needed
• providing advice on new methods, equipment and techniques, and implementing them, from concept through validation, accreditation and into routine operation
• keeping up to date with developments in chemical analysis, regulation, the water industry and active participation in industry working groups
• collaborating with internal stakeholders to deliver business-critical objectives and projects. 

What you'll need

To be considered for this opportunity, you will have degree-level qualifications and relevant experience in a chemistry-based role.

As well as your expertise in inorganic chemistry, you will possess excellent people management skills. You will have, or be working towards, chartered status with an appropriate professional body. 

You should have strong interpersonal and leadership skills, demonstrate aptitude in problem-solving and decision-making, be able to build a strong and flexible team, be responsive to the needs of customers and be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.  

An understanding of the regulatory requirements of the water industry and experience working in an accredited environment are advantageous. 

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 buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for 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 Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 19,000 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.