Nutritional Laboratory Team Leader

In RSSL we are customer focused, science led and results driven. The RSSL Nutritional laboratory performs a Group 2 nutritional analyses for a variety of food companies. The Nutritional Team Leader role focuses on the maintenance and growth of services to clients and will manage operations and optimise a high-volume nutritional testing laboratory from end-to-end. This role focuses on the management of day-to-day activities, improving lean automated processes for rapid turnaround times, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance, and driving technological integration across all lab functions.

You will manage a team of scientific staff (c. 5 FTEs) and will be accountable for ensuring that work is processed in a timely fashion whilst adhering to the prerequisite quality standards expected by RSSL clients and stakeholders. The individual in this position will have a deep understanding of laboratory operations, end to end workflow, automation, LIMS integration, process optimization, and management within a food or similar analytical environment.

The position will be primarily based at the Reading although may require attendance of any of the RSSL sites. Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities: Technical Provide high quality customer service at all times by ensuring effective organisation of workload, integrity of analytical data generated and timely/accurate provision of results. Maintain a high level of competency in the use of the laboratories LIMS & data handling systems to effectively manage workflow & monitor financial performance.

Provide support to senior management to ensure the smooth business and scientific operation of the Laboratory. Optimize the sample flow management process, from sample receipt and booking to storage, analysis, and report release, with a strong focus on automation for lean operations. Flexibility to adjust changing priorities based on business/ stakeholder needs, lab capabilities and resourcing. Manage sample preparation logistics, ensuring efficient workflow and material handling.

Collaborate with commercial to identify growth opportunities. Plan, allocate and administer resources to support business growth whilst managing the laboratory budget. Responsible for project delivery including checking analytical data and generation of certificate of analysis. Responsible for Quality and ensuring work is carried out to the highest standard, recorded as required quality standards and reported in a timely and professional manner.

Communication & Influence Support Food Sciences Group Leader to ensure achievement of principle accountabilities by selection, direction, motivation and management of staff within the Nutritional Laboratory. Effectively performance manage all direct reports to the required standard. Apply strong interpersonal and networking skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with customers, partners, suppliers and staff.

Liaise with clients, stakeholders, Technical specialist, Commercial and line management to ensure effective communication of proposals and results. Utilise technical and communication skills and actively leverage resources in the generation of new business. Leadership and supervision Ensure performance & development reviews, including objective setting and personal development plans are carried out in accordance with company procedure.

Ensure all staff are trained in departmental methods and techniques and be accountable for maintaining a compliant training programme. Demonstrate strong organisational skills and a keen eye for detail. QEHS Ensure laboratory procedures comply with, and that staff work to, the prerequisite standards dictated by company requirements. Embed & maintain Environment, Health & Safety commitments, and responsibilities.

Write and approve SOPs and Test Methods. Generation and approval of Risk Assessments and COSHH. Ensure training records are accurate. Educated to Degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent rel