Eurofins|BLC is a small but growing business specialising in testing and consulting and operates within the Eurofins Softlines and Leather division. Established for over 100 years specialising in leather, consumer and chemicals we have the technical pedigree and experience to provide targeted, testing and consulting solutions up and down the supply chain.

Eurofins|BLC is part of the Eurofins Scientific group which is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat to the water you drink to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies.

In 2021, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 6.7 billion, and has been among the best-performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years. Employs over 58,000 staff across a network of more than 1000 independent companies in over 54 countries and operates more than 900 laboratories.

The Role:

As a senior manager, you will be responsible for the overall day to day operation of the laboratory.  Co-ordinating and working closely with the departmental heads in order to maximise the operational efficiency of the lab, while maintaining high levels of safety, quality and service.  Responsible for ensuring that the laboratory operation has both the capability and capacity to deliver the services required to support the testing function whilst driving operational excellence.

Main duties:

• Provision of technical expertise in analytical chemistry with primary focus on organic analysis (desirable)
• Managing a high volume commercial laboratory to a rapid turnaround and exceptional quality levels
• Managing approximately 11 staff across the analytical and performance testing laboratory, with 3 direct reports
• Ensure that the environmental conditions of the laboratory are appropriate for the testing performed and provide a safe environment meeting regulatory requirements
• Ensure the quality control and quality management systems are implemented and embedded to assure the quality of laboratory services provided and to identify any non-conformities in quality as they occur.
• Implementing corrective actions
• Manage and support with the identification of method development opportunities and implementation of new standards into the laboratory
• Ensure operational adherence to applicable policies, standard operating procedures and methods by all operational staff
• Establish where necessary and maintain existing operational standards for cost control, quality, safety and on-time delivery
• Ensure all equipment/instrumentations are properly maintained and serviced complying with regulatory standards where applicable and/or to ensure proper performance and function
• Daily rounds of the laboratory to judge the effectiveness of operation, utilisation of staff and creating/influencing an environment in which staff perform, grow, contribute and enjoy their work
• Identify laboratory training needs and look at ways to develop the required skills to align with the resource plans as well as maintaining the training requirements for all lab technicians and analysts

Attendance at relevant technical and industry committees as required

What We Are Looking For:

• A driven, enthusiastic and confident individual with a strong and successful track record in laboratory operations management
• Ideally degree educated in a relevant subject area and proven experience in leather or textile supply chains and/or chemical industry (desirable, not essential)
• Outstanding communication skills, with previous line management experience
• Must be goal-driven and motivated to meet and exceed quality targets
• Demonstrates a self-motivated, resilient and above all positive approach

Working 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday.   Competitive Salary, Life Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Income Protection, Group Pension Scheme (match contribution of up to 5 %), Perkbox and Free Parking