Job Description

Materials Testing Laboratory Manager

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Inverness

Description

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Inverness

Salary: Competitive

About Us

MSS is a specialist materials testing business providing high-quality site and laboratory testing services to clients across the construction, infrastructure and civil engineering sectors.

Working on projects of all sizes, we support contractors, developers and engineers with reliable testing, technical expertise and responsive service. Our experienced team plays a vital role in helping clients maintain quality, safety and compliance throughout the construction process.

Part of the Celnor Group

Celnor Group is a UK-based environmental services group operating across the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) landscape. With a growing portfolio of specialist businesses, Celnor provides essential services that protect people, property and the environment.

While each business retains its own identity, culture and technical specialism, all are supported by a central group function that invests in people, systems and long-term sustainable growth.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Materials Testing Laboratory Manager to lead our laboratory operations in Inverness.

This is a senior position responsible for the technical, operational and commercial performance of the laboratory. You will oversee daily testing activities, lead and develop the laboratory team, ensure compliance with quality and accreditation standards, and drive continuous improvement across the department.

The role offers the opportunity to play a key part in the ongoing growth of the business, ensuring the laboratory continues to deliver high-quality, accurate and timely testing services to clients across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and ensure testing activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed standards
• Manage laboratory resources, workloads and staffing to meet customer requirements and turnaround times
• Provide technical leadership across all materials testing activities
• Review and authorise test reports and technical documentation
• Ensure compliance with relevant testing standards, specifications and methodologies
• Maintain and develop the laboratory quality management system, including ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
• Coordinate internal and external audits, accreditation reviews and quality assessments
• Ensure equipment is calibrated, maintained and fit for purpose
• Lead investigations into non-conformities, incidents and customer complaints
• Manage, mentor and develop laboratory personnel through training, appraisals and competency assessments
• Oversee laboratory facilities, consumables, equipment investment and purchasing requirements
• Support quotations, budgets, forecasting and commercial performance
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues across the business
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, capability and service delivery

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or a related discipline
• Extensive experience within a materials testing or laboratory environment
• Previous laboratory leadership or management experience
• Strong knowledge of materials testing standards and testing methodologies
• Experience operating within a quality management system, ideally ISO/IEC 17025
• Experience managing laboratory personnel, resources and workflows
• Good understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements
• Strong planning, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a confident and technically capable leader who can balance operational delivery, quality standards and commercial performance.

The successful candidate will be organised, proactive and committed to maintaining high technical standards while developing people and driving continuous improvement. You will be comfortable working with clients, technicians and senior stakeholders, and capable of leading a busy laboratory environment with a strong focus on safety, quality and customer service.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and provide a supportive working environment including:

• 40 hour working week, Monday to Friday
• Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development
• Opportunity to work within a growing business supporting major construction and infrastructure projects
• Career progression opportunities as MSS continues to expand across multiple regions

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business and play a key role in the leadership and development of an established materials testing laboratory.

MSS is committed to providing equal opportunities and values diversity in the workplace.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you're the right fit for this role.

Important Information

Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary.

We may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.