Lab / Operations Manager

We are working with a well-established specialist chemical manufacturer to recruit a Lab / Operations Manager for their site in South East London.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced laboratory and operations professional to take ownership of quality, R&D, and manufacturing activities within a growing business supplying products to customers across global commercial and secure printing markets. Reporting directly to the Group Operations Manager, you will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting the continued growth of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the laboratory function, overseeing both Quality Control and Research & Development activities.
* Manage laboratory technicians and departmental managers, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory, production, and operational processes.
* Ensure all products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
* Support product development activities, working closely with technical and commercial teams.
* Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality.
* Manage departmental budgets and resources to achieve business objectives.
* Develop, coach, and mentor staff, building capability across the organisation.
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.
* Work closely with senior leadership to support business strategy and site development plans.
* Provide operational leadership across the wider manufacturing facility as responsibilities expand within the role.

Requirements

* Minimum of 5 years' experience within a chemical laboratory environment.
* Previous management experience with responsibility for leading and developing people.
* Strong background in Quality Control, Research & Development, and manufacturing operations.
* Experience within inks, coatings, paints, pigments, resins, or other speciality chemical manufacturing environments.
* Ideally educated in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Colour Science, or a related scientific discipline.
* Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes.
* Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and operational performance.
* Computer literate with strong organisational and administrative skills.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Personal Attributes

* Hands-on leader with a proactive and practical approach.
* Strong team player capable of building positive working relationships across all levels of the business.
* Results-driven with a focus on continual improvement and operational excellence.
* Able to balance technical, commercial, and operational priorities effectively.
* Ambitious individual looking to develop into a broader senior leadership role.

What's on Offer

* Competitive salary (available upon application).
* Opportunity to join a successful and growing specialist manufacturer.
* Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions.
* Varied role with responsibility across laboratory, quality, R&D, and operations functions.
* Long-term career progression with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility.
* Collaborative and supportive working environment within a well-established family-owned business