Laboratory Manager – Global Chemicals Leader

Are you ready to step into a role where your expertise truly shapes operational excellence?

As a world-leading distributor of chemicals and ingredients, we’re looking to appoint an ambitious, high-calibre Laboratory Manager to join our Billericay Colour facility.

This is your opportunity to join a business whose products touch everyday life, whose culture celebrates individuality and growth, and whose purpose-led approach puts quality, safety, and innovation at the heart of everything they do.

If you’re an experienced laboratory professional who thrives in a hands-on, fast-moving environment – and you’re passionate about leading people, optimising processes, and maintaining world-class standards – this could be the perfect next step in your career.

The Role at a Glance:

Laboratory Manager
Billericay, Essex – On-site
Competitive Market Salary
Plus Excellent Company Benefits Including Pension Scheme, Annual Bonus Scheme, Discounted Private Health, 33 days holiday
Permanent – Full Time

Company: Global Distributor of Chemicals & Ingredients Used in Everyday Products
Culture: Work with real purpose. Grow how you want to. Be who you are

Your Skills / Background:

•    Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
•    A scientific qualification (ideally in Chemistry) or demonstrable experience in a comparable role with the capability to confidently handle analytical chemistry techniques and equipment.
•    Strong IT proficiency with excellent organisational and administrative skills.
•    Adaptable and effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships.
•    Confident communicator, able to engage clearly and professionally with stakeholders at all levels.

About the role:

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the laboratory function at our Billericay Colour facility, managing a small team of two direct reports. This is a pivotal position that underpins the smooth and compliant operation of the site, ensuring high standards across quality, safety, and technical performance.

The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of food and/or pharma regulations and certifications i.e. FDA colour specifications, IPEC Guidelines, FSSC 22000, HACCP principles, and broader quality management systems. A solid understanding of production processes – particularly mixing, milling, and product formulation – as well as familiarity with specialised laboratory and production equipment, is essential.

In addition to overseeing the laboratory’s day-to-day operations, the role will also support the Quality Control function during periods of team absence, requiring flexibility and a hands-on approach.

What Your Day Might Look Like:

•    Drive laboratory resources to meet production testing demands and support all product development needs.
•    Lead, develop, train/coach, and performance-manage laboratory staff
•    Ensure all lab equipment is maintained, calibrated, documented, and supported by up-to-date COSHH information and required risk assessments (including COSHH).
•    Shape and deliver the laboratory’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP)
•    Establish, implement, and uphold robust quality control procedures, policies, and standards across all production stages
•    Analyse production performance to identify improvements, implement corrective actions, and drive first-time pass rates.
•    Create, track, and continuously refine departmental KPIs.
•    Drive non-conformance resolution through CAPA and Root Cause (5 Why’s).
•    Support and contribute to internal audits, external certifications (e.g., ISO), and work with site management, regulatory bodies, and the Commercial team for Kosher and Halal audits.
•    Partner with suppliers and vendors to verify the quality of incoming raw materials and ingredients
•    Uphold strict PPE adherence for laboratory and production staff
•    Maintain responsibility for Food Safety and IPEC compliance.

Who We Are:

With revenues in excess of $9 billion, we are one of the largest chemical & specialty product distribution businesses in the world. Our portfolio spans almost every industry – from food ingredients and automotive to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and manufacturing industries.

We deliver industry-leading products, services, and technical support to help our customers find the right solution to their challenges.

Our Values:

•    Serious about safety
•    We do what we say
•    Where people matter
•    Valuable to others
•    Together we win

If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead a high-performing laboratory team, influence key quality and compliance standards, and join a company where your work really matters, we’d love to hear from you. 

This is a standout role offering the chance to grow, innovate, and make a meaningful impact within a truly global organisation.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today and bring your expertise to a team where your contribution will be valued, recognised, and rewarded.

Application notice… We take your privacy seriously. When you apply, we shall process your details and pass your application to our client for review for this vacancy only. As you might expect you may be contacted by email, text or telephone. Your data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process. Please refer to our Data Privacy Policy & Notice on our website for further details.

If you have any pre-application questions please contact us first quoting the job title & ref. Good luck, Team RR.