Lab Manager

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive individual to support its e-liquids R&D team in a dual-capacity role. As Lab Manager & Budget Coordinator, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of our North Carolina laboratory while also managing the full purchase order lifecycle via the internally used platform.
This role supports Scientists, Engineers, and Technology Managers by overseeing lab operations, managing inventory and vendor relationships, maintaining equipment, and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. Simultaneously, you'll play a critical role in budget tracking, PO processing, and financial reporting-serving as a key liaison with Finance and Procurement teams.

Key Responsibilities
Lab Operations

• Manage daily lab activities, including equipment maintenance, consumables inventory, and resource allocation
• Lead quality and safety compliance aligned with QA and EHS standards
• Act as primary contact for lab vendors and maintenance providers
• Support onboarding of new lab staff with operational training
• Identify and implement process improvements for greater lab efficiency

Budget & Procurement Management

• Handle end-to-end purchase order cycle: creation, tracking, reconciliation, and closure
• Maintain and update budget trackers, ensuring alignment with actual and forecasted spend
• Present financial status reports during monthly reviews with Finance
• Coordinate vendor onboarding, contracts, and compliance in partnership with Procurement
• Ensure timely PO close-outs in line with half-year and year-end requirements

Qualifications & Experience
Essential

• Previous experience in lab management within a scientific R&D environment
• Familiarity with hazardous material handling and COSHH standards
• Proven ability to manage lab workflows and external vendor relationships
• Proficiency in MS Excel (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)

???????Skills

• Highly organized, with strong coordination and multitasking abilities
• Excellent communication skills and team collaboration
• Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous process improvement
• Experience with budget tracking and spend management platforms (Coupa preferred)

Education

• Bachelor's degree (BSc/PhD) in Chemistry or related scientific discipline (e.g., Biochemistry)
• Additional certifications in Lab Operations, Business Administration, or Finance are a plus

• Initially, this position is expected to run until at least the middle of July 2026
  
  Hours: 35 per week
  
  Pay: £22.77 per hour (PAYE)