Inorganics Team Leader

We are looking for a team orientated, reliable individual to lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the Inorganic laboratory, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of testing services. The role is responsible for team performance, quality standards, technical capability, and continuous improvement, while supporting the Laboratory Manager in achieving business objectives.

Step Into the Role

Operational & Technical Management

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Manage the day-to-day operation of the Inorganic laboratory testing section

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Coordinate workload to ensure deadlines and service levels are consistently met and organise resources to ensure efficient workflow and utilisation

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Ensure only approved methods and procedures are used

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Support development of new methods and continuous improvement of existing processes and maintain technical competency across the team

Quality, Compliance & Safety

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Ensure compliance with UKAS / ISO and internal quality standards and promote and monitor quality performance across the department

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Maintain safe working practices, housekeeping, and environmental conditions, ensuring all activities are carried out in line with H&S requirements.

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Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and readiness

People Management & Leadership

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Supervise, motivate, and develop team members

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Manage attendance, performance and conduct, as well as supporting recruitment and onboarding.

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Identify training needs and deliver or coordinate training

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Communicate expectations, priorities, and business updates and act as the key link between team members and management

Planning & Performance

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Track and manage team KPIs, productivity, and output

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Monitor stock levels and coordinate purchasing of consumables

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Ensure timely reporting and resolution of operational issues

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Deputise for the Laboratory Manager when required

Continuous Improvement

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Proactively identify improvements in processes, efficiency, and quality and support implementation of best practices and innovation and contribute to operational and commercial performance improvements

Our Offer

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From £32,000 per year

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Based in Consett with free onsite parking

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37.5 hours, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm

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Company funded 1% benefit allowance

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Pension

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Enhanced parental leave

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28 days holiday + 2 wellbeing days plus bank holidays.

Your profile

Essential

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HNC / Degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience

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Proven laboratory experience (minimum 3–5 years)

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Demonstrable experience supervising or leading a team

Desirable

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Strong knowledge of inorganic chemistry techniques

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Understanding of UKAS / ISO standards and quality systems

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Awareness of HR processes and people management practice

Your New Workplace

Normec DETS is a leading company providing high-quality analytical testing services for the environmental, construction, waste management, fuels and engineering industries. Based in County Durham and Crayford, our laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and MCERTS, ensuring that we meet the highest standards and have the technical expertise required.

We offer a wide range of services including asbestos testing, soil contamination testing, water testing and waste analysis. With our efficient logistics, we pick up samples on the same day with our own drivers and vehicles, ensuring rapid sample processing.

Our UKAS accredited soil contamination testing lab checks for contaminants, allowing clients to operate safely. We also provide a wide range of UKAS accredited waste testing services to support regulatory compliance, renewable energy qualification, and zero waste to landfill goals.

Our knowledgeable team delivers fast turnaround times and precise analysis to help you manage waste effectively and sustainably.

About Normec

DETs is part of Normec, a leading organization in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) industry. Our expertise covers essential areas such as water, air, and soil quality, fire safety, and food safety, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety across various sectors. Founded in 2016, Normec is an ambitious, independent, and fast-growing organization with approximately 6,500 colleagues.

We offer our colleagues the opportunity to actively contribute to our mission while simultaneously developing their own careers within a dynamic and rapidly growing organization. Together, we work on impactful solutions for our clients and on a sustainable future. The culture within Normec is informal, open, energetic, and entrepreneurial, and is anchored in our GROWTH principles. Through our The Normec Fit program, which brings these principles to life, we ensure that not only our company grows, but also everyone who is part of it.

Interested? Let’s Talk!

If you would like to speak more about this role, please reach out to

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