Senior Lab Manager

Job Description Summary

The (Senior) Laboratory Manager reports to the Director, Laboratory Operations and oversees testing of clinical samples at Alderley Park.

In addition, this role provides strategic leadership and direct management of laboratory teams, ensuring staff are supported, coached, and developed to achieve both individual and organizational goals. The (Senior) Laboratory Manager is accountable for day-to-day laboratory operations, resource allocation, safety compliance, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

Provide on-site leadership for a high-throughput clinical genome sequencing laboratory, including technical troubleshooting, developing and writing operational procedures, setting laboratory key performance indicators, and establishing quality metrics. Deliver regulatory, due diligence, and internal auditing support. Must have experience working in an ISO 15189 or CAP diagnostic laboratory and be able to apply the associated requirements to clinical diagnostic operations.

This role requires a proactive leader who can balance scientific rigor with operational excellence, guiding teams through complex projects while ensuring compliance, efficiency, and staff development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory staff, including scientists, technicians, and support personnel.
• Conduct performance reviews, set clear objectives, and foster accountability.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Laboratory Operations

• Design and implement processes and procedures to ensure efficient turnaround times and accuracy of results.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including workflow optimization, resource allocation, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure strict adherence to established quality control guidelines and safety protocols.

Strategic & Financial Management

• Prepare and manage laboratory budgets, monitor expenditures, and optimize resource utilization.
• Establish and track laboratory KPIs and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Compliance & Accreditation

• Ensure all processes comply with national regulations, organizational policies, and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain ISO 15189, CAP, and other accreditation standards, including preparation for audits and inspections.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead initiatives for process improvement, automation, and adoption of new technologies.
• Encourage staff participation in problem-solving and innovation to enhance laboratory efficiency and service delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to align laboratory operations with clinical and research objectives.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, providing updates on laboratory performance and compliance.

Experience

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant subject; PhD desirable.
• Extensive clinical experience with various techniques; high-throughput DNA sequencing in a commercial, academic, or government laboratory desirable.
• Experience with clinical assay development, process development, and project management.
• Proven track record in team leadership, staff development, and laboratory management.
• Strong background in Quality Assurance and Quality Control applications in clinical diagnostics.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical applications and manage laboratory automation systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Leadership Skills: Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff while managing performance and fostering collaboration.
• Language: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Math Ability: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, with the ability to operate laboratory computer systems.
• Special Skills: Effective interpersonal communication across departments and teams. Strong knowledge of quality control practices and regulations of UKAS, ISO 15189, CAP, and other regulatory agencies.