Chemistry Laboratory Manager

ALS Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global scientific testing company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Chemistry Laboratory Manager to lead laboratory operations. Key responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring analytical work meets quality standards, and maintaining client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years in a leadership role within a GMP environment and possess strong analytical and communication skills. This role offers competitive benefits including generous leave and a pension plan.

Benefits

Annual Leave starting at 25 days

Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme

Perkbox membership

Learning/study support

Group Personal Pension Plan

On-site car parking

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ leadership experience in a laboratory, project, or operations management role.
• Experience within a pharmaceutical, GMP, or contract testing environment preferred.
• A solid understanding of GMP and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day running of the laboratory.
• Develop laboratory staff capabilities through training and recruitment.
• Review and approve analytical results and certificates.

Skills

Leadership experience

GMP standards knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Chemistry Laboratory Manager

Apply for the Chemistry Laboratory Manager role at ALS

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data‑driven insights to build a healthier future.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laboratory Manager to lead our laboratory operations, ensuring that all analytical work meets the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and compliance. This is a key leadership role within our organisation, providing direction to a skilled team of scientists and technicians, supporting the General Manager and Technical Manager in technical and operational matters, and maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction, safety, and continuous improvement.

Hours Per Week: 40

Days Per Week: Monday to Friday (08:30 - 17:30)

Contract: Full Time and Permanent

Hiring Manager: Glynn Harvey

The day to day

You will manage the day-to-day running of the laboratory, ensuring all testing is completed by trained staff within agreed timeframes and to the required standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and developing laboratory staff, including rotas, holidays, recruitment, and training, to ensure effective resourcing and capability.
• Supporting client communication, method development, and validation alongside the management team.
• Reviewing and approving analytical results and certificates.
• Maintaining compliance with Quality Management protocols (IQC, IRM, EQA, etc.).
• Ensuring adequate stocks of media, chemicals, reagents, and consumables.
• Overseeing training records, housekeeping standards, and Health & Safety compliance, including COSHH and PPE use.
• Ensuring client requirements and sample suitability are reviewed prior to testing, with full traceability of all results.
• Participating in audits and driving corrective actions where required.
• Monitoring KPIs and promoting efficiency, quality, and best practice across the laboratory network.

The Essentials

We’re looking for a confident and organised leader who can inspire their team and ensure operational excellence. You will have:

• 3+ years’ leadership experience in a laboratory, project, or operations management role.
• Experience within a pharmaceutical, GMP, or contract testing environment (preferred).
• A solid understanding of GMP and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• A proactive approach to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Our benefits include

• Annual Leave commencing at 25 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Ability to Buy annual leave.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
• ‘Celebrating Success’ Recognition Awards
• Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.
• Learning/study support
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Car Parking on‑site

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

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 both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How To Apply

Please apply online and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.