Laboratory Manager

Talent STEM are partnering with a highly specialised chemical manufacturing organisation operating within regulated industrial markets. This is a key senior laboratory position within a small, technically driven site where quality, precision and continuous improvement are central to success.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading day to day analytical and quality control activities while supporting production, technical development and wider operational objectives.

The Opportunity

This is not a routine testing role. You will be the technical authority within the laboratory, ensuring analytical robustness, data integrity and regulatory compliance in a fast paced manufacturing environment. You will work cross functionally with operations, technical and quality teams to ensure materials and finished products meet defined specifications and client expectations.

The role offers significant autonomy and influence within a growing and evolving business.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the daily operation of the analytical laboratory in a deadline driven production setting

- Perform and oversee analysis of raw materials, intermediates and finished products using GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer and classical wet chemistry techniques

- Develop, optimise and validate analytical methods to ensure accuracy, repeatability and fitness for purpose

- Review and trend analytical data, identifying shifts, deviations and opportunities for improvement

- Maintain and improve quality systems aligned to ISO 9001 standards

- Manage laboratory documentation including specifications, SOPs, investigations and CAPA activities

- Support internal and external audits

- Troubleshoot instrumentation including GC, HPLC and associated gas generation systems

- Coordinate external service engineers for calibration, preventative maintenance and repair

- Mentor and develop junior analysts, setting clear technical expectations

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory and production processes

- Support technical and R&D activities including process development and specification setting

About You

You will be an experienced analytical chemist who thrives in a hands on manufacturing environment.

- Degree in Analytical Chemistry or closely related discipline

- Significant experience in a QC or analytical laboratory within chemical, fine chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing

- Strong working knowledge of GC and HPLC operation and troubleshooting

- Experience with FTIR, Karl Fischer and titration techniques

- Understanding of analytical method development and validation

- Experience operating within ISO 9001 or comparable quality systems

- Strong data review skills with the ability to interpret trends and anomalies

- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure

Working Environment

This is a site based laboratory role within a production facility. The environment is fast moving and requires adaptability, resilience and strong collaboration skills. The role involves handling chemicals and operating analytical instrumentation daily.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK as sponsorship is not available.

If you are a technically strong analytical chemist looking for a senior role where you can influence laboratory standards, mentor others and support operational growth, Talent STEM would be pleased to speak with you.

To apply or request further information, please contact Talent STEM directly for a confidential discussion