Lab / Operations Manager

We are working with a well-established specialist chemical manufacturer to recruit a Lab / Operations Manager for their site in South East London.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced laboratory and operations professional to take ownership of quality, R&D, and manufacturing activities within a growing business supplying products to customers across global commercial and secure printing markets. Reporting directly to the Group Operations Manager, you will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting the continued growth of the organisation.

Lead the laboratory function, overseeing both Quality Control and Research & Development activities.
Manage laboratory technicians and departmental managers, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory, production, and operational processes.
Ensure all products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Support product development activities, working closely with technical and commercial teams.
Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality.
Manage departmental budgets and resources to achieve business objectives.
Develop, coach, and mentor staff, building capability across the organisation.
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.
Work closely with senior leadership to support business strategy and site development plans.
Provide operational leadership across the wider manufacturing facility as responsibilities expand within the role.

Minimum of 5 years' experience within a chemical laboratory environment.
Previous management experience with responsibility for leading and developing people.
Strong background in Quality Control, Research & Development, and manufacturing operations.
Experience within inks, coatings, paints, pigments, resins, or other speciality chemical manufacturing environments.
Ideally educated in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Colour Science, or a related scientific discipline.
Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes.
Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and operational performance.
Computer literate with strong organisational and administrative skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Hands-on leader with a proactive and practical approach.
Strong team player capable of building positive working relationships across all levels of the business.
Results-driven with a focus on continual improvement and operational excellence.
Able to balance technical, commercial, and operational priorities effectively.
Ambitious individual looking to develop into a broader senior leadership role.

Competitive salary (available upon application).
Opportunity to join a successful and growing specialist manufacturer.
Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions.
Varied role with responsibility across laboratory, quality, R&D, and operations functions.
Long-term career progression with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility.
Collaborative and supportive working environment within a well-established family-owned business.