Head Of Safety Products Testing (PPE)

Ctx Group; Kettering; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading safety testing organization in Kettering seeks a Head of Safety Products Testing. This senior role focuses on leading a dynamic team to ensure compliance with testing standards and drive business growth in the PPE sector. Key responsibilities include team leadership, budget management, and maintaining industry standards. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills, a technical background, and experience in business development. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

25–30 days annual leave

Life assurance

Group personal pension plan

Income protection

Free on-site parking

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Success in business development and budgetary targets.
• Strong interpersonal skills for networking with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage financials and departmental planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Safety Products Testing teams for growth.
• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety compliance.
• Manage departmental financials and resources.
• Drive sales growth and engage with customers.
• Oversee compliance with testing standards.

Skills

Leading high-performing teams

Business development

Communication with stakeholders

Attention to detail

Understanding complex testing standards

Use of MS Office

Education

Leadership or management qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About You

Essential Requirements

Head of Safety Products Testing

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per annum (DOE)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Interaction Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our esteemed Kettering based client for an experienced and driven Head of Safety Products Testing to lead and develop the Safety Products Testing function.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing accredited testing laboratories that assess the physical of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) against UK, European and International standards. The successful candidate will lead the team to exceed customer expectations, achieve commercial targets, and ensure compliance with quality and accreditation requirements while enhancing the organisation's reputation within the industry.

About The Role

As Head of Safety Products Testing, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating and inspiring the Safety Products Testing teams to deliver year-on-year growth in revenue and profitability
• Developing and maintaining a lean culture focused on continuous improvement
• Ensuring effective personal development plans are in place to support team progression and capability building
• Overseeing the timely completion of technical Spotlight and Bulletin articles
• Maintaining an appropriate UKAS scope and extending accreditation where required
• Ensuring full Health & Safety compliance across the department
• Day-to-day leadership, performance management, motivation and recruitment of team members
• Managing departmental financials including forecasting, expense allocation, purchasing and end-of-month accounting
• Driving sales growth and promoting Safety Products Testing services
• Attending trade fairs and visiting customers to support business development
• Remaining up to date with PPE legislation, testing standards and industry developments
• Ensuring all testing operations are conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and the organisation’s quality management system
• Managing interventions, non-conformances and remedial actions when required
• Maintaining team involvement in National, European and International standards committees

About You

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrable success in business development and delivering against budgetary targets
• Ability to liaise, network and communicate effectively with senior industry stakeholders at an international level
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport at all organisational levels
• Confident delegator with a structured and organised approach to leadership
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Technical background with the ability to understand and interpret complex testing standards
• Strategic mindset with experience in departmental planning and development
• Willingness and ability to travel
• Competent user of MS Office, particularly Microsoft Excel

Desirable

• Experience within the PPE industry
• Recognised leadership or management qualification

Benefits

• 25–30 days annual leave (service related)
• Life assurance
• Group personal pension plan
• Income protection
• Free on-site parking
• Flexible working hours

Closing date for applications: 7th January 2026

Interview dates: On site in Kettering on 16th and 19th January 2026

Please apply today for immediate consideration