Laboratory Operations Manager
Leeds
Manpower are currently seeking an Operations Manager to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.
The position is based in Seacroft, Leeds. This is a full-time ongoing role, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £35,100 per annum, depending upon experience.
The Role
This is an operations-led role within a scientific R&D environment. You'll be responsible for managing the delivery of services on-site, leading a team that tests aerosols, roll‑ons, gases and deodorants to ensure good performance, stability and safety and acting as the key link between the client and operational delivery.
While this role does not involve hands-on laboratory work, it requires a strong understanding of laboratory operations and confidence in managing both people and processes within that environment. Ideal candidates will have a scientific or laboratory background and experience transitioning into operational, supervisory, or management roles.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and managing an on-site delivery team within a lab-based environment
- Owning service delivery against SLAs and KPIs
- Building strong relationships with client stakeholders and acting as their day-to-day contact
- Identifying operational issues and driving practical, effective solutions
- Managing team performance, development, and day-to-day coordination
- Overseeing reporting, MI, and overall service performance
- Ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory standards
- Allocate and prioritise incoming work to the team to ensure a smooth process and to keep work flowing smoothly
- You will also play a key role in shaping strategy and driving continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, quality, and performance across the lab
Core experience:
- Proven experience in an operations, team management, or service delivery role
- Strong people management skills - confident supporting and guiding a team
- Experience working in or alongside a scientific or laboratory environment
- Ability to manage performance, processes, and client expectations
Key strengths:
- Operationally minded with good attention to detail
- Proactive and solutions-focused
- Strong communicator - able to build relationships with technical teams and clients
- Comfortable handling challenges and driving improvements
Skills required:
- A scientific background (degree or industry experience) is required to support understanding of the environment and stakeholders
- Candidates who have progressed from lab-based roles into coordination, supervision, or operations will be particularly well suited
- People Management skills, with previous experience of team supervising or management
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Self managing, detail conscious and tenacious
- Innovative, able to plan effectively with the drive to translate plans into actions
- Working knowledge of Excel workbooks and spreadsheets
Leeds working environment:
- There is a canteen available onsite serving hot and cold food:
- There is a Staff Shop where Contingent Workers can buy discounted products.
- Free tea and coffee on site.
- Free parking.
- R&D sites have Free Fruit, Relaxation/Energy facilities like Table Tennis.
- Uniform for factory workers.
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Recruiter: Manpower UK
Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 Per Annum
Reference: BBBH434936