Head of Testing

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

Job summary

A well-established global organisation seeks a Business Area Manager - Head of Safety Products Testing to lead their accredited laboratories in testing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The role involves managing a team, ensuring adherence to high standards, and driving business growth. Candidates should have proven experience in technical leadership, strong business development skills, and a deep understanding of testing standards. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, promoting work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25-30 days annual leave

Life assurance

Income protection

Flexible hours

Free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading technical teams in a laboratory or testing environment.
• Strong business development skills and experience managing budgets.
• Deep understanding of technical testing standards and PPE compliance.
• Excellent communication and networking skills to liaise with senior international stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with ability to plan for departmental growth.
• Well-organised, detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of technical specialists.
• Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and expenses.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and UKAS standards.
• Promote services, develop client relationships, and represent the organisation at events.
• Keep up-to-date with PPE testing legislation and global standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Tools

MS Office (especially Excel)

Job description

Role: Business Area Manager - Head of Safety Products Testing

Location: Kettering, UK

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

Hours: 37.5 hrs/week

We are working on behalf of our client, a well-established and globally recognised organisation, who are seeking a Head of Safety Products Testing to lead their accredited laboratories and inspire a team of specialists testing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to the highest international standards.

In this senior role, you'll combine technical expertise, strategic vision, and commercial acumen to ensure the Safety Products Testing team not only meets but exceeds customer and business expectations. You'll be the driving force behind growth, innovation, and quality, enhancing the organisation's reputation worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of technical specialists to reach their full potential
• Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and expenses while driving revenue growth
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and UKAS standards across all testing operations
• Promote services, develop client relationships, and represent the organisation at trade fairs and industry events
• Keep up-to-date with PPE testing legislation and global standards, influencing the department’s strategy
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a culture of excellence

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience leading technical teams in a laboratory or testing environment
• Strong business development skills and experience managing budgets
• Deep understanding of technical testing standards and PPE compliance
• Excellent communication and networking skills, able to liaise with senior international stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with the ability to plan for departmental growth
• Well‑organised, detail‑oriented, and proficient in MS Office (especially Excel)

Desirable

• Experience in the PPE industry
• Leadership qualification
• Experience in sales or marketing initiatives

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits, including 25-30 days annual leave, life assurance, income protection, flexible hours, and free parking
• Opportunity to shape and lead a high‑performing, respected team
• Play a pivotal role in a globally recognised organisation

This role may also be known as: Head of Testing, Laboratory Manager, Technical Manager, PPE Testing Manager, Safety Products Manager, Quality and Compliance Manager, Head of Laboratory Services, Senior Test Manager, Product Compliance Manager, Head of Technical Operations, Testing and Certification Manager, Laboratory Operations Manager, Senior Laboratory Leader, Head of Product Testing, Technical Services Manager

Impact Recruitment are a Recruitment Agency working on behalf of our client.