Operations Manager

Role Overview

• Lead daily operations across laboratory and field-testing teams, ensuring work is planned, assigned and executed efficiently
• Own resource planning including staffing, shift patterns, vehicle and equipment allocation, and capacity management
• Ensure all testing is performed in accordance with relevant standards and client specifications, with technically valid and traceable results
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including document control, internal audits, corrective actions and continuous improvement
• Support and maintain UKAS/ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and coordinate external audits and assessor visits
• Drive Health, Safety and Environmental compliance including risk assessments, method statements, incident investigation and behavioural safety
• Manage equipment calibration and maintenance programmes, ensuring instruments are fit for purpose and records are current
• Oversee sample logistics and chain-of-custody processes including receipt, labelling, storage and disposal
• Monitor operational KPIs such as turnaround time, right-first-time rates, utilisation and non-conformances, and implement improvement actions
• Develop, coach and appraise team members; manage recruitment, onboarding, training and competence assessments
• Coordinate with commercial and client-facing teams to plan workloads, prioritise urgent requests and communicate schedules and any issues
• Ensure accurate job costing inputs and operational reporting; identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities while protecting quality and safety
• Manage supplier relationships for equipment, calibration services, PPE and consumables
• Support technical problem-solving including out-of-spec investigations, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions

Requirements

• Proven operations management experience within a materials testing, construction materials, geotechnical, civil engineering laboratory, or similar technical services environment
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory and field testing operations, sampling practices and relevant test standards
• Demonstrable experience operating within a formal quality system such as ISO 9001, and ideally ISO/IEC 17025 or UKAS-accredited environments
• Experience leading teams of supervisors, technicians and support staff, including performance management and competency development
• Sound understanding of HSE requirements for laboratory and site activities including RAMS, COSHH, PPE and incident reporting
• Good commercial awareness including planning, utilisation, cost control and service delivery
• Educated to HNC/HND/Degree level in a relevant discipline such as Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Geology or Construction, or equivalent practical experience
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Supportive team environment with backing from the wider Celnor Group
• Opportunity to shape and drive operational excellence within a business with ambitious growth plans
• Work within a company with nearly three decades of industry expertise and UKAS accreditation