Lab / Operations Manager

We are working with a well-established specialist chemical manufacturer to recruit a Lab / Operations Manager for their site in South East London. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced laboratory and operations professional to take ownership of quality, R&D, and manufacturing activities within a growing business supplying products to customers across global commercial and secure printing markets. Reporting directly to the Group Operations Manager, you will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting the continued growth of the organisation. Key Responsibilities * Lead the laboratory function, overseeing both Quality Control and Research & Development activities. * Manage laboratory technicians and departmental managers, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory, production, and operational processes. * Ensure all products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. * Support product development activities, working closely with technical and commercial teams. * Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality. * Manage departmental budgets and resources to achieve business objectives. * Develop, coach, and mentor staff, building capability across the organisation. * Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards. * Work closely with senior leadership to support business strategy and site development plans. * Provide operational leadership across the wider manufacturing facility as responsibilities expand within the role. Requirements * Minimum of 5 years' experience within a chemical laboratory environment. * Previous management experience with responsibility for leading and developing people. * Strong background in Quality Control, Research & Development, and manufacturing operations. * Experience within inks, coatings, paints, pigments, resins, or other speciality chemical manufacturing environments. * Ideally educated in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Colour Science, or a related scientific discipline. * Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes. * Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and operational performance. * Computer literate with strong organisational and administrative skills. * Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Personal Attributes * Hands-on leader with a proactive and practical approach. * Strong team player capable of building positive working relationships across all levels of the business. * Results-driven with a focus on continual improvement and operational excellence. * Able to balance technical, commercial, and operational priorities effectively. * Ambitious individual looking to develop into a broader senior leadership role. What's on Offer * Competitive salary (available upon application). * Opportunity to join a successful and growing specialist manufacturer. * Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions. * Varied role with responsibility across laboratory, quality, R&D, and operations functions. * Long-term career progression with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility. * Collaborative and supportive working environment within a well-established family-owned business