Lead Laboratory Programme Manager

Fugro Head Office; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading geo-data specialist in Wallingford is seeking a passionate Lead Laboratory Programme Manager to coordinate laboratory testing programs across their network. In this full-time hybrid role, you will lead a team, manage complex projects, and ensure quality delivery on time and on budget. Candidates should possess a relevant degree, solid project management experience, and excellent communication skills. Benefits include a competitive salary, flexible hours, and extensive career opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Contributory pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Group life assurance

Flexible working hours

Electric car scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Long service awards

Qualifications

• Solid relevant experience managing small to medium teams.
• Proven expertise in project/programme management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee laboratory testing programmes and schedules.
• Act as primary escalation and client contact for testing programmes.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems and processes.

Skills

Advanced planning and programme management

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Strong problem-solving skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate qualification in project/programme management, engineering, science

Tools

MS Project

Project management software

Job description

Projects# Lead Laboratory Programme ManagerLocation+ Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom**Job Description**Be part of a team that turns data into decisions and delivers essential testing for projects that protect people, assets and the environment. Fugro is looking for a passionate, confident and friendly **Lead Laboratory Programme Manager** to control and coordinate laboratory testing programmes across our EUAF laboratory network. You’ll lead a programme management team, be the escalation point for complex projects and ensure testing is delivered on time, on budget and to our QHSSE standards. Reporting to the Regional Planning and Performance Lead, you’ll work closely with project teams, technical leads and clients on diverse geotechnical and environmental programmes that directly influence project outcomes and client confidence. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week) offered as a hybrid position based at a Fugro laboratory with regular on-site attendance and occasional travel between laboratory sites.**Your role and responsibilities*** Lead and oversee laboratory testing programmes and schedules across projects, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines and quality standards.* Act as primary escalation and client contact for larger or complex testing programmes; coordinate status reporting and change communication to internal and external stakeholders.* Develop and own programme risk and performance plans; identify, mitigate and track risks and delays, and implement contingency plans including third-party lab use when required.* Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes to improve timeliness, cost control and service quality across laboratories.* Provide people leadership to the programme team: set governance, clarify roles, foster a safe and high-performance culture, and coach team members to deliver their best.* Support commercial activity: contribute to tenders and proposals that include laboratory testing programmes and ensure accurate financial administration and invoicing of testing scopes.* Represent the programme team at audits (including UKAS) and support QHSSE expectations through active leadership and participation in safety initiatives.**What you’ll need to thrive in this role*** **Education:** Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate qualification in project/programme management, engineering, science or equivalent experience.* **Experience:** Solid relevant experience with proven expertise in project/programme management experience managing small to medium teams.* **Skills:** Advanced planning and programme management capability; excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; strong problem-solving and commercial awareness.* **Tools & language:** Proficient in English and experienced with project management software (MS Project or equivalent).* **Availability:** Willingness to travel between Fugro laboratory sites occasionally.*Who we are* *What we offer*Fugro provides a positive work environment as well as projects that will satisfy the most curious minds. We also offer great opportunities to stretch and develop yourself. By giving you the freedom to grow faster, we think you’ll be able to do what you do best, better. Which should help us to find fresh ways to get to know the earth better. We encourage you to be yourself at Fugro. So, bring your energy and enthusiasm, your keen eye and can-do attitude. But bring your questions and opinions too. Because to be the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, we need the strength in depth that comes from a diverse, driven team.*Our view on diversity, equity and inclusion*At Fugro, our people are our superpower. Their variety of viewpoints, experiences, knowledge and talents give us collective strength. Distinctive beliefs and diverse backgrounds are therefore welcome, but discrimination, harassment, inappropriate behaviour and unfair treatment are not. Everybody is to be well-supported and treated fairly. And everyone must be valued and have their voice heard. Crucially, we believe that getting this right brings a sense of belonging, of safety and acceptance, that makes us feel more connected to Fugro’s purpose ‘together we create a safe and liveable world’ – and to each other.**Benefits of joining our team*** Extensive career & training opportunities both nationally and internationally.* Competitive salary* Contributory pension scheme* Private medical insurance* Health cash plan* Group life assurance* Group income protection* Flexible working hours and the potential to work 2 days a week from home in accordance with your manager and corporate policies.* Electric car scheme* Cycle to work scheme* Discounted gym membership* Discounts platform* The Fugro Card (pre-paid virtual visa card, which earns cash back automatically when money is spent at any participating retailers)* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay* Long service awards* Fugro values awards* Employee referral bonus scheme**Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:****Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated**\*\*.\*\*