Team Leader – Laboratory Team Lead
Reports to: Operations Manager
Job Purpose
To ensure the safe, efficient and effective operation of the Production, Despatch, or Sampling teams. This includes clear communication, fair and consistent performance management, colleague development, and continuous improvement of processes. The role carries full responsibility for safety, people development, quality, lead-time, and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
*Ensure safe working practices are followed and embedded, including PPE compliance, manual handling, COSHH, FLT use, incident reporting, and first aid coverage.
*Maintain process discipline through training, reviews and—when necessary—formal performance processes.
*Support attendance management through return-to-work meetings and company procedures.
*Lead investigations into non-conformances within 24 hours, with corrective actions completed within 5 days.
*Provide clear, consistent and unbiased communication on performance expectations and outcomes.
*Deliver daily team briefings, using visual indicators to show progress against targets.
*Develop team members through documented development discussions, coaching and feedback.
*Take ownership of the site in the absence of the Operations Manager, escalating issues appropriately.
Production & Despatch Responsibilities
*Allocate team members to tasks based on order book priorities and inbound/outbound freight requirements.
*Ensure adequate training coverage to prevent skills shortages.
*Review and update the daily production report by 10am, including significant changes.
*Work closely with internal stakeholders such as Quality, Planning, Shipping and Purchasing to minimise delays.
*Maintain stock accuracy >99% and report shortages or discrepancies promptly.
Sampling Responsibilities
*Allocate colleagues to tasks in line with agreed priorities.
*Ensure the team is cross-trained and able to work autonomously across shifts.
*Identify and implement improvements to reduce unnecessary movement and manual handling.
*Maintain strict adherence to process safety requirements (e.g., compound heating limits).
*Communicate consistently with internal stakeholders via email.
*Ensure customer-impacting issues are escalated, with all shipments delivered on time.
*Work closely with Planning and Stock Management to reduce waste and lead times.
Teamwork & Conduct
*Support wider operational activities such as audits and cross-team tasks.
*Maintain transparency in workload management to drive continuous improvement and customer service.
*Promote company values, ethics and best practices.
*Work in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Reporting
*Maintain all required operational reporting and ensure accuracy and availability in line with business needs.
Skills & Attributes Required
*Full UK driving licence.
*FLT licence (desirable; not required for Sampling roles).
*Ability to make effective decisions using data and team input.
*Calm, respectful and professional under pressure.
*Excellent communication and active listening skills.
*Competent with technology including MS Office and ERP/MRP systems.
*Reliable, positive, and committed to meeting targets and deadlines.
*Strong team-player, aligned with company values.