Analytical Laboratory Manager

Convatec is entering an exciting new phase of its R&D journey with plans to establish a new state-of-the art facility in Manchester. Located within the Citylabs SciTech campus, the site is intended to become a key hub within our global R&D network, bringing together advanced analytical research, global laboratory testing, quality control, engineering, science, regulatory expertise and health innovation capabilities. The facility will strengthen collaboration with Manchester's world-class life sciences ecosystem and support our mission of pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. Over time, activities currently based at our Convatec Technology Centre in Deeside are expected to transition to the new Manchester location, targeted to open in early 2028. This move will create exciting opportunities to help shape the future of healthcare innovation at Convatec.

Position Overview

The Analytical Laboratory Manager provides technical and analytical development support to Science & Innovation pipeline projects. You will lead the Analytical Laboratory testing programme, ensuring effective planning, prioritisation, coordination and execution of testing, method development and validation activities in accordance with internal procedures, applicable regulations and guidelines, and industry best practice. You will also lead and develop the Analytical team, maintain safety and quality compliance, deliver agreed key performance indicators, assure accurate technical documentation and work cross-functionally with project teams, Quality functions, manufacturing sites and other laboratory leaders to manage priorities, timelines and technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory leadership and people management

• Lead, engage and communicate effectively with the Analytical team, including recruitment, employee development, coaching and performance management.
• Set clear expectations, provide guidance and identify development and training needs.
• Monitor team performance and delivery against agreed key performance indicators and drive continuous improvement.

Testing programme and technical delivery

• Manage, prioritise and oversee the analytical testing programme, including planning, coordination and execution of testing.
• Provide technical and analytical development support to Technology & Innovation pipeline projects.
• Define and execute strategies for analytical method development, validation and transfer, including validation in accordance with relevant ICH guidelines.
• Provide technical guidance for research, troubleshooting and manufacturing support activities.
• Keep abreast of scientific literature, emerging technologies and alternative ways of working.

Quality, compliance and documentation

• Ensure methods and validation activities comply with internal procedures, applicable regulations and guidelines, and industry best practice.
• Ensure accurate, timely review and approval of analytical and technical documentation, including testing and validation protocols and reports, technical reports, standard operating procedures and related controlled documents.
• Identify and address out-of-specification results and non-conformances; ensure investigation, resolution and corrective actions are completed within agreed timeframes.
• Contribute as a functional laboratory leader to Design and Development projects conducted under Design Controls.

Safety and laboratory operations

• Ensure high standards of safety and compliance with Environment, Health and Safety policies, laboratory quality systems and processes.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated and serviced in accordance with company procedures.
• Support equipment qualification and computerised system validation activities associated with laboratory equipment software.
• Ensure appropriate risk assessments, safe systems of work and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are in place.

Stakeholder, resource and financial management

• Collaborate with project and departmental managers to manage workloads, timelines and priorities.
• Manage the departmental budget, including accurate budget setting and expense management.
• Manage relationships with suppliers of analytical equipment, software and services.

Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years’ industry experience in a medical device or pharmaceutical laboratory environment; strong Analytical Chemistry experience is preferred.
• Proven management experience leading and developing a team of scientists.
• Working knowledge of FDA and European quality-system regulations relevant to medical devices or pharmaceuticals.
• Knowledge of drug-device combination product technologies is preferred.
• Sound understanding of product development processes and Design Controls.
• Experience planning and executing analytical method validation and method transfer activities.
• Competence in the use, calibration and maintenance of advanced analytical laboratory equipment.
• Experience with computerised laboratory systems used to manage data and information, such as a Laboratory Information Management System.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, solve problems, identify inefficiencies and implement practical improvements.
• Strong cross-functional communication, collaboration, coaching and stakeholder-management skills.
• Effective technical writing, review and approval skills.
• Competence in preparing risk assessments, safe systems of work and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific subject.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel, approximately 5% of working time, to attend external training, visit manufacturing facilities, external testing laboratories and equipment suppliers, and attend conferences.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid working model, currently based at our Deeside location.
• From early 2028, this position is expected to transition to our Manchester site, on a hybrid working model.
• The role manages a laboratory environment where staff may be exposed to chemicals, reagents and solvents and ensures these materials are handled and disposed of in accordance with site and environmental procedures.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent Convatec

A formal recruitment process is required for all our opportunities prior to any offer of employment. This will include an interview confirmed by an official Convatec email address.

If you receive a suspicious approach over social media, text message, email or phone call about recruitment at Convatec, do not disclose any personal information or pay any fees whatsoever. If you’re unsure, please contact us at [email protected].

Equal opportunities

Convatec provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Convatec is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Convatec employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Convatec. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

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About Convatec

Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch:

Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With over 10,000 colleagues, we provide products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention, treatment for hard to heal wounds, at-risk skin and ulcerated tissue to supporting debilitating conditions, improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec's revenues in 2025 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more please visit: http://www.convatecgroup.com.