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Head of Laboratory – Leading International Company

Location: County Durham

Salary: £40-45,000 + benefits + great career prospects

Our client is a leading independent scientific group, providing laboratory analysis to the agriculture, food, and environmental sectors. We are excited to announce that due to significant business growth and internal progression we are supporting the company by recruiting a talented, career minded individual who is interested in developing a long-term career path. The successful candidate will play a key part in supporting the operational deliverables and ensuring the business delivers its goals.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to flourish in a fast-paced environment, someone with strong operational experience in a technical/scientific environment, and a willingness to achieve the objectives as a key player in this international organisation.

The role:

* Operational Leadership - As the leader of our laboratory operations, you will oversee and refine workflows to ensure efficiency and high-quality output. You will guide and mentor Study Directors and Trials Officers, playing a crucial role in every step of the project lifecycle, from initial client inquiry to final delivery.

* Client Excellence - Acting as the chief liaison for our clients, you will ensure that communication is seamless and that service standards remain exemplary. Your role will involve building and maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring that their expectations are not only met but exceeded.

* Project Mastery - You will spearhead trial scheduling and coordinate study progress, ensuring that all projects adhere to strict timelines and protocol requirements. Your expertise in managing external suppliers and partners will be key to maintaining efficient and effective operations.

* Team Empowerment - Central to this role is your ability to develop and nurture talent within your team. You will provide comprehensive training and support, promoting adherence to SOPs and GEP accreditation standards. Your leadership will foster an environment of continuous improvement and learning.

* Financial Stewardship - You will collaborate closely on financial matters, taking an active role in cash flow management, KPI tracking, and preparing detailed reports. Your insights will drive smarter decision-making and enhance the financial health of our operations.

The person:

* Degree qualified, in a Science-related field, such as Agriculture, Microbiology, or Chemistry

* Strong scientific background, ideally with exposure to agricultural, crop protection, or related fields.

* Knowledge of IPM, EPPO guidelines, and GEP standards.

* Project management and organizational expertise, with proficiency in tools like MS Excel and ARM.

* Proven ability to lead and coordinate teams, especially within cross-functional settings.

* Excellent communication, influencing skills, and a collaborative, hands-on approach.

* Ideally, experience with agricultural and horticultural trials in crop protection, bio-stimulants, or weed management.

* Customer liaison and key account management experience.

If you are interested in making a fantastic career move, please apply by submitting your cv