General Manager

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. 

General Manager - Food Laboratory Operations

Location: Sittingbourne
Salary: Competitive and DOE
Working Pattern: Full-time, on-site

We’re looking for an experienced industry professional to lead operations at our Sittingbourne food laboratory. This is a hands-on senior leadership role for someone with a strong background in laboratory management within highly regulated food, testing, or scientific environments.

You’ll take full ownership of site performance, leading laboratory operations, developing teams, driving commercial performance, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and client service are consistently delivered.

This role is ideal for a leader who understands the pace and complexity of regulated food laboratory environments and can confidently balance operational excellence with people leadership and business performance.

The Role

As General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and operational success of the Sittingbourne laboratory. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders while maintaining a visible presence on-site, supporting teams and driving high standards across all areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and developing high-performing laboratory teams

• Taking full ownership of operational performance, including KPIs, service delivery, and commercial targets

• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality

• Ensuring compliance with ISO 17025, food industry regulations, and internal quality standards

• Promoting a strong health & safety culture across the laboratory

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships

• Supporting business growth through operational excellence and customer confidence

• Developing site business plans and reporting on performance against objectives

• Working closely with senior leadership to align operational and strategic goals

What We’re Looking For

• Proven senior leadership experience within a food laboratory or highly regulated scientific environment

• Strong background in laboratory management and operational leadership

• Experience working within heavily regulated food, testing, or analytical environments

• Excellent understanding of quality standards including ISO 17025 and ISO 9001

• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, KPIs, and operational performance

• Demonstrable experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams

• A proactive leader who can drive accountability, performance, and continuous improvement

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Full UK driving licence

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing and fast-paced laboratory environment where quality, service, and operational excellence are central to everything we do. You’ll have the autonomy to make a real impact while leading a skilled team in a critical area of the business.

Our benefits include: 

• Annual Leave commencing at 25 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part time)

• Ability to Buy annual leave.

• Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme

• Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.

• ‘Celebrating Success’ Recognition Awards

• Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.

• Learning/study support

• Group Personal Pension Plan

• Car Parking on-site

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. 

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. 

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. 

Eligibility
To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.