Laboratory Manager

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead the analytical functions within our Water Quality Department. This pivotal role involves ensuring the laboratory maintains its UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025 and complies with the Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS). The successful candidate will also support the Laboratory Supervisors in both Microbiology and Chemistry, supporting day-to-day operations and upholding the highest standards in water quality testing.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

Manage the daily operation of the laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow, appropriate programming and allocation of tasks, and maintenance of high operational standards.
Maintain compliance with UKAS ISO 17025 and the Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS), ensuring all laboratory activities align with regulatory and quality standards.
Oversee the laboratory’s quality system, including Analytical Quality Control (AQC), Proficiency Testing (PT), CAPA investigations, and internal/external audits.
Lead and support the laboratory team, managing performance, conducting regular 1:1s and reviews, and ensuring effective delegation and development of staff.
Manage laboratory Health & Safety, including risk assessments, COSHH, internal safety audits, and promoting a culture of good laboratory practice and safe working.
Provide technical support and direction for Water Quality issues, including escalated customer complaints, method changes, and company-wide water quality policies.
For new laboratory staff, ensuring a smooth transition and adherence to company standards from Day 1.
Monitor and manage the laboratory’s operational budget, including OPEX and CAPEX planning, procurement, and supplier oversight.
Serve as Deputy for Laboratory Supervisors (Microbiology and Chemistry), supporting supervisory functions as needed.
Manage the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), including configuration of sample points and determinations.
Lead induction and onboarding

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Able to gather, analyse and interpret large amounts of data using a variety of different output methods
Accountable for own actions with a willingness to collaborate with others, whilst developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice with others.
Empathetic, self-aware and comfortable with constructively challenging areas that could be improved.
Systems based skills, open to learning new technology.
Be flexible in your work to maintain operational requirements and to ensure positive outcomes are always achieved.
Exceptional record keeping skills to ensure audit trails are maintained.
A level in a Science subject and relevant degree or experience is essential.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer literate
Full UK driving licence (Will be required to undertake our driver assessment).
Full membership and chartership of a relevant professional body is essential

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to considerflexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applicationsso we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
Please be aware,the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees areeligible to live and work in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touchwithin 4 weeksof receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

AtPortsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:

Holidays Made Better
Enjoy27days of annual leave,plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You
We’ll help secure your future with agenerous pension scheme, contributingup to 15%because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off
You could earn anon-contractual bonusofup to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First
Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back withenhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Peace of Mind, Always
Ourlife assurance schemegives your loved ones extra security, with a4x salarylump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you needconfidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7through our Employee Assistance Programme, orphysical health support via our Virtual GP service(available 8am10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with theHealthHeroapp.

PW Perks Treat Yourself!
Enjoy exclusivediscounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:

• Electric Vehicle Scheme(after 1 year)

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Health Cash Plan
  andso much more!