Analytical Laboratory Manager

This job is with Imerys, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Imerys is the world's leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions, with €3.6 billion in revenue and 12,400 employees in 40 countries (2024). The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions across a wide range of industries, supporting customers in decarbonisation and sustainable construction. Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (ticker NK.PA).

Analytical Laboratory Manager – Imerys Minerals Ltd, Par Moor Centre, Cornwall

Salary: TBC (dependent on experience)

Contract:

Full‑time, 37.5 h per week, Monday‑Friday (day shift)

The Analytical Laboratory Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and day‑to‑day management of the Analytical Laboratory in Par, Cornwall, overseeing the Wet Chemistry and X‑Ray Analysis laboratories. Reporting to the Analytical Technology Director, the role ensures the continued maintenance of ISO 17025:2015 accreditation while delivering accurate, timely, and high‑quality analytical results that support operational, technical, and commercial business needs.

The position provides technical and managerial leadership to laboratory supervisors, scientists, and technicians, ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality, and health & safety standards. The role also oversees method development, instrument performance and maintenance, laboratory budgeting (CAPEX and OPEX), and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, capability, and service delivery.

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Wet Chemistry and X‑Ray Analysis laboratories.
• Maintain ISO 17025:2015 accreditation, including method validation, proficiency testing, audit preparation, and non‑conformance management.
• Develop and validate analytical methods and protocols.
• Oversee instrument performance, preventive and corrective maintenance, and capital equipment installation.
• Prepare and manage laboratory budgets (CAPEX and OPEX).
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and health & safety standards, including ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Provide technical and managerial leadership to supervisors, scientists, and technicians, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders.

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, Geology, Mineralogy, or related scientific discipline (MSc or PhD preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment, with 3–5 years in a laboratory management or leadership role.
• Strong technical expertise in wet chemistry, ICP‑OES/MS, trace metal analysis, X‑ray analysis, and mineralogical techniques including Rietveld semi‑quantitative analysis.
• Proven experience maintaining ISO 17025:2015 accreditation, including method validation, proficiency testing, audit preparation, and non‑conformance management.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience operating and managing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory budgets (CAPEX and OPEX), preventive and corrective instrument maintenance, and capital equipment installation.
• Strong commitment to Health, Safety and Environmental standards, including safe chemical handling and the use of ionising radiation equipment.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop technical teams, building capability and maintaining high performance standards.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data logically and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Effective communication skills, enabling collaboration across technical, production and commercial teams, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Generous Pension Plan…