As the Chemistry Team Lead, you will oversee the daily operations of the chemistry laboratory, ensuring that all samples are processed efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with Health & Safety, Quality System, and Customer requirements. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on maintaining turnaround times, mentoring junior staff, and driving continuous improvement in both productivity and quality performance.
Key Responsibilities
•Ensure the laboratory operates safely and in full compliance with Health & Safety policies and procedures.
•Implement and uphold Quality System requirements across all areas of work, ensuring updates to the Quality Manual and other QA documentation are actioned promptly.
•Drive operational performance and deliver continuous improvement across production and customer KPIs.
•Support daily planning and workload management to meet customer deadlines and improve turnaround times (TATs) for all in-house and subcontracted testing.
•Coordinate equipment calibration schedules in collaboration with internal teams and external service providers.
•Manage participation in External Proficiency Testing Schemes to maintain and expand the scope of accreditation across all analytical areas.
•Oversee the timely investigation and resolution of customer complaints, queries, and instances of non-conforming work.
•Perform laboratory testing as required to support operational and customer needs.
•Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to team members; promote cross-training to enhance flexibility and resilience across departments.
•Ensure optimal use of laboratory resources including personnel, equipment, and materials.
•Oversee sample receipt and processing in accordance with documented procedures.
•Maintain accurate, traceable, and compliant records in line with the Quality Management System (QMS).
•Maintain a strong working knowledge of the Quality Manual, test methods, and client-specific requirements.
•Support the maintenance and development of the QMS to ensure ongoing compliance with INAB/ISO 17025 and customer standards.
•Investigate and report equipment or process issues promptly, ensuring swift resolution or escalation.
•Identify and implement innovative technologies and process improvements to enhance laboratory performance and efficiency.
Qualifications & Experience
•Degree (or higher) in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
•Proven experience in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory environment.
•Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, GC, LC, automated photometric analysers, Ion Chromatography, and wet chemistry methods preferred.
•Demonstrated experience in method development, optimisation, and validation.
•Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 Quality Management Systems and their implementation.
•Excellent leadership and people management skills, with experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing technical staff.
•Strong organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
•Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
