Job summary
Lab Manager required near Southampton
Key skills required for this role
laboratory, lab manager, lab management, Chemistry, R&D, Research and Development
Important
Lab Management experience
Job description
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive individual to support its e-liquids R&D team in a dual-capacity role. As Lab Manager & Budget Coordinator, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of our North Carolina laboratory while also managing the full purchase order lifecycle via the internally used platform.
This role supports Scientists, Engineers, and Technology Managers by overseeing lab operations, managing inventory and vendor relationships, maintaining equipment, and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. Simultaneously, you'll play a critical role in budget tracking, PO processing, and financial reporting-serving as a key liaison with Finance and Procurement teams.
Key Responsibilities
Lab Operations
1. Manage daily lab activities, including equipment maintenance, consumables inventory, and resource allocation
2. Lead quality and safety compliance aligned with QA and EHS standards
3. Act as primary contact for lab vendors and maintenance providers
4. Support onboarding of new lab staff with operational training
5. Identify and implement process improvements for greater lab efficiency
Budget & Procurement Management
6. Handle end-to-end purchase order cycle: creation, tracking, reconciliation, and closure
7. Maintain and update budget trackers, ensuring alignment with actual and forecasted spend
8. Present financial status reports during monthly reviews with Finance
9. Coordinate vendor onboarding, contracts, and compliance in partnership with Procurement
10. Ensure timely PO close-outs in line with half-year and year-end requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
11. Previous experience in lab management within a scientific R&D environment
12. Familiarity with hazardous material handling and COSHH standards
13. Proven ability to manage lab workflows and external vendor relationships
14. Proficiency in MS Excel (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)
Skills
15. Highly organized, with strong coordination and multitasking abilities
16. Excellent communication skills and team collaboration
17. Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous process improvement
18. Experience with budget tracking and spend management platforms (Coupa preferred)
Education
19. Bachelor's degree (BSc/PhD) in Chemistry or related scientific discipline (e.g., Biochemistry)
20. Additional certifications in Lab Operations, Business Administration, or Finance are a plus
21. Initially, this position is expected to run until at least the middle of July 2026
Hours: 35 per week
Pay: £22.77 per hour (PAYE)
22. Share
manages this role
Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 40 years’ experience