TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY MANAGER

KFS are one of the leading forensic providers in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality service and building strong working relationships with our customer base. Our team of forensic scientists are experienced in the interpretation and reporting of a wide range of evidence types in support of criminal investigations. We are passionate about supporting the Criminal Justice System and want to hear from potential employees who share that same passion. Please read the requirements of the job carefully as your application will be measured against them. Please ensure you have the experience we are looking for. This is a specialist role and as such we will only shortlist those with the relevant experience and attributes. In this role, you will be responsible for leading an operational team that provides a range of services related to laboratory analysis within forensic casework. This includes managing: a laboratory team; service outputs; processes; equipment; facilities; resource allocation and ensuring regulatory compliance. You shall work in support of other managers and scientists to ensure that laboratory services are well planned, properly resourced, managed, and executed in accordance with business objectives and appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to quality, timeliness, and value for money. Responsibilities and Technical Skills ·Manage compliance with all related regulations and guidelines, including ISO17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice. ·Oversight of quality investigations arising from quality failures and advising on preventative and corrective actions. ·Ensure analytical data conforms to recognised external and internal quality standards. e.g. UKIAFT, TIAFT & SOFT guidelines. ·Ensure facilities, equipment, and workstations, including environmental controls, meet a compliant and presentable standard. ·Manage, with participation as appropriate, audits and discussions relating to laboratory services with both internal/external stakeholders. ·Manage day-to-day operations of all assigned departmental responsibilities, ensuring internal KPIs are met for contracted work and business and customer expectations achieved. ·Manage, develop, and monitor the team’s competence, identifying and addressing their training/development needs, ensuring appropriate records are maintained in line with company expectations. ·Manage, coach, and mentor direct reports to achieve assigned objectives measured by appropriate KPIs. Manage, develop, and monitor the team’s capacity and experience, engaging in authorised recruitment and onboarding to maintain adequate resources to meet the assigned objectives. ·Manage, effect, and monitor communication about the status of work performed with intra-departmental stakeholders. ·Fulfilment of reasonable requests to perform day to day operational work when required and in support of the laboratory team. Fully conversant with the use of analytical instrumentation, e.g. LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC-DAD, GC-HS-FID (or similar) and their associated software packages. Behaviours & Competencies ·Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to tailor communication to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. ·Analytical thinker and problem solver, including ability to work under pressure, and plan and schedule resources effectively to meet tight deadlines. ·Strong IT capability to include Microsoft Office and Excel with an ability to analyse data. ·Experience of development and/or implementation of manual and LIMS driven processes. ·Experience in managing multiple tasks and managing competing priorities, ensuring the delivery of results on time. Well-developed interpersonal skills are essential with an appreciation of the importance of line management as a role model. Personal Attributes ·Ability to energise teams and develop resources in order to achieve key business objectives. ·Team member with a willingness to support, engage & enthuse others. ·Highly motivated, resilient individual who approaches work with a positive attitude. ·Able to work on their own initiative and with exceptional attention to detail. ·Unquestionable level of honesty and integrity. ·Strong professional ethics and commitment to work. Professional business disposition and of smart appearance. Qualifications A scientific degree level qualification (or equivalent) is beneficial but candidates with relevant laboratory experience in place of a degree qualification will be considered. Experience Significant (preferably at least 5 years) previous experience in leading/managing a team within a regulated analytical laboratory environment Full Time Salary £50,000 per annum Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays (pro rata) Pension – Contributory Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work scheme Retailer discounts Location: Warrington I N ORDER TO PASS OUR STRINGENT SECURITY VETTING YOU MUST HAVE RESIDED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR APPLICATION. WE CANNOT CONSIDER APPLICANTS THAT HAVE NOT LIVED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS AND YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A VALID RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK DOCUMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION. KFS is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our work force. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. One of our goals is to work within an environment free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice. We aim to embed this in all of our recruitment and selection policies, procedures and practices. The closing date for this position is 17/01/2025 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage.