Working pattern: Full-time Monday – Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-12.30/15.30
Job Purpose
To ensure that the laboratory operates effectively, the postholder will provide visible, hands-on leadership during the laboratory’s main working hours and will act as the first point of escalation for staff, clients, suppliers and operational issues. This is not a laboratory scientist or bench-based testing role. However, the successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong practical understanding of the laboratory’s workflows, systems and processes so that they can identify problems, coordinate appropriate action and ensure that work continues safely and efficiently. The postholder must be highly organised, commercially aware, confident in managing people and capable of making sensible decisions under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Management
● Oversee the day-to-day running of the laboratory.
● Ensure staff, equipment and systems operate efficiently.
● Resolve operational issues and coordinate appropriate action.
● Escalate significant issues to the Managing Director where required.
Team Leadership
● Manage and support the laboratory team.
● Allocate workloads and monitor performance.
● Lead staff meetings and day-to-day supervision.
● Promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Quality & Compliance
● Maintain the laboratory's quality management system.
● Ensure procedures, audits and documentation remain up to date.
● Support UKAS accreditation and regulatory compliance.
● Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Customer & Client Support
● Act as the main operational contact for clients.
● Respond to customer enquiries and resolve issues professionally.
● Coordinate with laboratory staff to ensure excellent service.
● Maintain strong relationships with clients and suppliers.
Business Administration
● Prepare quotations, pricing and client information.
● Coordinate invoicing, purchasing and stock control.
● Monitor operational costs and identify efficiencies.
● Support the introduction of new services and operational improvements.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
● Improve business processes and operational workflows.
● Maintain accurate records and documentation.
● Work with software and IT providers to resolve issues.
● Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
Person Specification
Essential
● Previous experience in an operations, office or business management role.
● Experience managing people and workloads.
● Excellent organisational and communication skills.
● A practical, solutions-focused approach with strong decision-making ability.
Desirable
● Experience within healthcare, scientific or other regulated environments.
● Knowledge of quality management or compliance systems.
● Experience with purchasing, invoicing or operational administration.
No laboratory experience is required. Full training will be provided on our systems and processes.
Skills & Attributes
● Highly organised and able to prioritise effectively.
● A confident and proactive problem solver.
● Strong leadership and people management skills.
● Commercially aware with excellent attention to detail.
● Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions.
● Eager to learn and develop within a growing business.
For more information about the role, or to receive a personal recommendation, please contact our recruitment team. Melissa – melissa@theworkavenue.org.uk or Yael – yb@theworkavenue.org.uk
Code: J-02
