Characterisation Manager

We are looking for an experienced and people‑focused Characterisation Manager to lead our busy operations team at NRM Bracknell. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast‑paced laboratory environment and is passionate about driving performance, engagement, and continuous improvement.

As the Characterisation Manager Receipt Manager, you will oversee a team of 10–20 colleagues, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient day‑to‑day operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

 What You’ll Be Doing

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop your team to drive high performance and engagement

• Conduct regular 1:1s, feedback sessions, performance reviews, and development planning

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff training

• Ensure training records, competence, and performance standards are fully maintained

• Foster a positive, collaborative culture aligned with our values and People Leader expectations

Operational Delivery

• Oversee workflow, resource planning, and staff allocation to meet turnaround times

• Ensure all processes, equipment, and documentation meet UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025 standards

• Troubleshoot technical issues and support method development alongside the Technical Team

• Maintain data integrity, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement using EBOS tools

• Support implementation and effective use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Customer Services, Business Development and Technical Services

• Support client meetings and maintain excellent customer relationships

• Communicate operational updates clearly and professionally across teams

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, SOPs, and accreditation requirements

• Oversee non-conforming work investigations and corrective actions

• Maintain a safe, clean, audit‑ready laboratory environment

• Act as Fire Marshal, First Aider, Internal Auditor or Key Holder when required

 What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Strong understanding of ISO, UKAS, and audit requirements

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with good operational knowledge

• Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail

• Self‑motivated, collaborative, and confident in driving team performance

• Hands-on approach with the ability to influence and motivate others

Desirable

• Experience within a UKAS‑accredited laboratory

• Knowledge of food/feed or chemistry-based laboratory techniques

Why Join Us?

• A key leadership role within a respected and growing organisation

• Opportunity to shape team culture and drive operational excellence

• Training, development, and internal progression opportunities

• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership matter

Ready to Apply?

If you are an engaging leader with strong laboratory knowledge and a passion for driving people and performance, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of a team that values quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.