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
Responsibilities
* 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 organisations 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 Excel
Desirable
* 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)
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