Business Area Manager

Head of Safety Products Testing

??

Location:

Kettering, UK ??

Salary:

£40,000

£50,000 per annum (DOE) ?

Hours:

37.5 hours per week

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an ambitious and inspiring

Head of Safety Products Testing

to take ownership of a highly respected and technically advanced testing function. This is a senior leadership role offering the chance to shape strategy, drive growth, and lead a team of specialists within a portfolio of accredited laboratories operating at the forefront of PPE testing. Youll play a pivotal role in strengthening reputation, ensuring compliance with international standards, and delivering exceptional service to customers worldwide

all while building a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. About the Role

As

Head of Safety Products Testing , you will lead from the front, balancing strategic vision with hands-on leadership. Your responsibilities will include: Leading, motivating and developing specialist testing teams to deliver year-on-year growth in revenue and profitability

Embedding a lean, continuous improvement culture across the department

Ensuring robust personal development plans are in place, enabling team members to reach their full potential

Overseeing the timely production of Spotlight and Bulletin articles

Maintaining and expanding the UKAS scope as required

Championing Health & Safety compliance across all laboratory operations

Managing day-to-day departmental operations including recruitment, performance, engagement and succession planning

Full ownership of departmental financials, including forecasting, budgeting, month-end reporting, expenses and purchasing

Driving sales growth and promoting Safety Products Testing services to existing and new customers

Representing the department at trade fairs and during customer visits

Staying at the forefront of PPE testing standards, legislation and industry developments

Ensuring all testing activities operate within ISO 17025 and the clients quality management system

Managing interventions, investigations and corrective actions when required

Maintaining strong representation across national, European and international technical committees

About You

Essential

Proven experience leading, inspiring and motivating teams

Demonstrable success in business development and delivering against budgets

Confident engaging with senior industry stakeholders at an international level, both technically and culturally

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport at all levels

Highly organised, detail-focused and able to prioritise effectively

A technical background with the ability to interpret complex testing standards

Strategic thinker with the ability to plan and deliver departmental growth

Willing and able to travel as required

Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Desirable

Experience within the PPE industry

Formal leadership or management qualification

Exposure to sales and marketing initiatives

Benefits

2530 days annual leave (service-related)

Life assurance

Additional benefits aligned with a forward-thinking, people-focused organisation

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