Job Description

We're making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water is seeking a Scientific Services Manager to lead and manage staff and workloads across both its ISO 17025 accredited water testing laboratory and its sampling operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the teams operate efficiently, cost-effectively, and in full compliance with regulatory and quality standards. This role includes acting as the ISO 17025 Technical Manager, ensuring that all technical activities meet the requirements of the accreditation. The manager will also support continuous improvement initiatives across both teams, fostering a culture of quality, collaboration, and operational excellence.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

Manage and develop the Company's analytical and sampling resources (staff, equipment, subcontractors, and workload) to meet statutory, regulatory, and internal requirements.


Lead the section as the ISO 17025 Technical Manager, maintaining UKAS accreditation and ensuring all quality standards are met.


Oversee the operation and continuous development of the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS). Provide leadership, direction, and practical guidance to the Laboratory and Sampling teams, defining objectives and fostering a high-performance culture.


Manage departmental budgeting and recommend capital investment in laboratory equipment and infrastructure to support long-term operational efficiency.


Conduct internal audits and external supplier/service provider audits, ensuring corrective actions are implemented effectively.


Maintain up-to-date knowledge of water quality regulations, industry best practices, and ensure company practices remain compliant and forward-thinking.


Ensure Health & Safety procedures are followed, including risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and safety audits within the laboratory environment.


Develop and maintain water quality monitoring systems and databases, ensuring accurate and timely data. Prepare monthly and annual water quality data reports, including customer contact data, for regulatory submission.


Represent the company in relevant industry networks and forums, contributing to collaborative research and influencing water quality improvements.


Manage recruitment, training, and professional development of laboratory and sampling staff, including conducting 1-1s, performance reviews, and succession planning.


Ensure that laboratory practices align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and maintain cleanliness, security, and functionality of laboratory facilities.

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Accountable for own actions with a willingness to collaborate with others, whilst developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice with others.


Empathetic, Self-Aware, and Comfortable with constructively challenging areas that could be improved.


Systems based skills, open to learning new technology.


Passionate about providing an excellent service, to our customer, colleagues and across teams within Portsmouth Water.


Be flexible in your work to maintain operational requirements and to ensure positive outcomes are always achieved.


Maintains a helpful, customer focused work environment.


Exceptional record keeping skills to ensure audit trails are maintained.


BSc in chemistry, microbiology, or related scientific discipline.


Chartered Status of Relevant Body including an up-to-date CPD (Continuous professional development) record.


Management Level 5 qualification or relevant management experience.


Previous experience of working with ISO 17025 and Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS)

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways

, and that's why we're happy to consider

flexible working arrangements

. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

We're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

Please note,

the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are

eligible to live and work in the UK

.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive

, we're unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we'll usually be in touch

within 4 weeks

of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

At

Portsmouth Water

, we believe in rewarding our people. Here's just a taste of what's waiting for you when you join the team:

Holidays Made Better

Enjoy

27

days of annual leave

,

plus bank holidays

, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You

We'll help secure your future with a

generous pension scheme

, contributing

up to 15%

because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off

You could earn a

non-contractual bonus

of

up to 6% of your basic salary

, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First

Whether you're welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we've got your back with

enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay

.

Peace of Mind, Always

Our

life assurance scheme

gives your loved ones extra security, with a

4x salary

lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Support When You Need It

We know life has its ups and downs. That's why we offer both

Private Medical Insurance

and an

Employee Assistance Programme

provided by

Bupa

giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.

PW Perks Treat Yourself!

Enjoy exclusive

discounts at thousands of retailers

, plus exciting benefits like:

Electric Vehicle Scheme

(after 1 year)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Health Cash Plan

and

so much more!