Department: Technical / Certification / Testing
Reports To: Head of Technical / Director of Standards
Job Summary
The Laboratory Manager will lead and manage all laboratory testing and certification activities for windows and doors within a recognised industry authority. The role ensures that products meet required technical standards, regulatory frameworks, and government policy, supporting both compliance and industry best practice.
You will act as the technical authority within the laboratory, overseeing testing programmes, maintaining accreditation, and providing expert guidance to manufacturers, regulators, and internal stakeholders. This position requires a strong understanding of fenestration systems alongside experience in standards, compliance, and laboratory management.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will take ownership of laboratory operations, ensuring all testing—covering areas such as weather performance, thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and security—is carried out accurately and in line with relevant standards (BS EN, PAS, ISO).
You will be responsible for maintaining accreditation (such as UKAS), managing quality systems, and ensuring all procedures, documentation, and reporting meet regulatory requirements. The role also involves interpreting and applying building regulations and government policy, ensuring that testing and certification processes remain aligned with current legislation.
Working closely with manufacturers, industry bodies, and internal teams, you will provide technical support, review certification outcomes, and help resolve complex compliance issues. You will also contribute to the development and refinement of technical standards and play a key role in industry engagement.
Leadership is a central part of the role, including managing laboratory staff, overseeing equipment and calibration, and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment. You will also lead audits and continuously improve laboratory performance and processes.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead and manage day-to-day laboratory operations for window and door testing
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Ensure compliance with relevant standards, accreditation requirements, and government regulations
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Oversee testing programmes and approve technical reports and certification outcomes
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Maintain laboratory quality systems, procedures, and audit readiness
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Provide technical guidance to stakeholders and support industry compliance
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Manage laboratory staff, equipment, and health & safety requirements
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Investigate technical issues, non-conformities, and test failures
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Contribute to the development of technical standards and policy alignment
Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will have significant experience within the window and door or wider fenestration industry, including a strong understanding of product systems and performance testing. A background in laboratory management or senior technical roles is essential, along with experience working within accredited environments such as UKAS or ISO/IEC 17025.
You should have a solid grasp of UK building regulations and relevant standards (such as BS EN 14351 and PAS 24), with the ability to interpret and apply government policy in a practical, industry-facing context. Strong leadership capability, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly are critical for success in this role.
Working Environment & Progression
This is a laboratory and office-based role within a regulatory or certification organisation, with occasional travel for audits and industry engagement. The position offers progression into senior technical leadership roles, including Head of Technical or Director-level positions within standards and compliance
Salary description
£40000.00 - £50000.00 per year