Role: Business Area Manager – Head of Safety Products Testing
Location: UK (site-based)
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Overview
An established testing and certification organisation is seeking a Head of Safety Products Testing to lead a specialist testing function focused on personal protective equipment (PPE). This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving commercial performance, operational excellence and regulatory compliance across a portfolio of accredited laboratories.
The department operates multiple accredited laboratories equipped with a wide range of testing machinery, supporting the evaluation of PPE against UK, European and international standards.
The Role
Reporting at senior level, the Head of Safety Products Testing will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the function. Key responsibilities include:
Providing strong leadership and direction to deliver sustained growth in revenue and profitability
Embedding a lean, continuous improvement culture across the department
Ensuring robust development plans are in place to support team capability and succession
Overseeing the timely production of technical and industry-facing publications
Maintaining and expanding the organisation’s UKAS accreditation scope as required
Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety requirements
Managing day-to-day operations including team performance, engagement and recruitment
Full ownership of departmental financials, including forecasting, cost control and month-end reporting
Driving sales activity and promoting testing services to existing and prospective clients
Representing the organisation at trade events and customer meetings
Keeping abreast of changes in PPE legislation, standards and testing requirements
Ensuring all testing activities comply with ISO/IEC 17025 and internal quality systems
Managing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives
Maintaining active involvement in national, European and international technical committees
About You
Essential Criteria
Proven experience leading, motivating and developing technical or professional teams
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of business development and budget management
Ability to engage and build relationships with senior industry stakeholders internationally
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all organisational levels
Confident delegator with a structured and organised approach
High attention to detail and strong planning capability
Technical background with the ability to interpret complex testing standards
Strategic mindset with experience developing and evolving departmental capability
Willingness to travel as required
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly ExcelDesirable
Experience within the PPE or safety products sector
Formal leadership or management qualification
Exposure to sales, marketing or service growth initiatives
Benefits
The role offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave (increasing with service), pension provision, life assurance, income protection, flexible working hours and on-site parking.
Application deadline: Early January 2026
Interviews: Mid-January 2026 (on site)