Testing Rigs and Labs Operations Manager

The salary for this role is £71,815 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. 

This role can be based at any of the following sites; Culham, Oxfordshire 

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data. 

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Testing Rigs and Labs Operations Manager to lead and enable the safe, effective and reliable operation of a complex experimental laboratory environment. 

This role is responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of testing rigs, laboratories, workshops and associated facilities that support multiple experimental and technology development programmes. You will work closely with engineers, scientists, programme teams and facility stakeholders to ensure that laboratory capability, availability and investment priorities align with delivery needs. 

Leading a core operational team with further support from the wider organisation, you will establish and evolve the framework that enables high‑quality experimental work to be delivered safely, efficiently and compliantly, while driving continuous improvement and long‑term capability development. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide operational leadership for testing rigs and laboratory facilities, ensuring they are safe, compliant and ready to support experimental programmes 
• Plan, prioritise and coordinate laboratory activity with programme teams and current and future users 
• Establish and maintain strong governance for health, safety and risk management within laboratory environments 
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for asset management, including maintenance, inspection, calibration and lifecycle planning 
• Oversee access control, inductions and contractor activities, ensuring appropriate competence and supervision 
• Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement across safety, utilisation, cost and efficiency 
• Set the direction for future laboratory capability development, contributing to investment planning and business cases 
• Line manage, support and develop the laboratory operations team, fostering a professional, inclusive and high‑performing culture 
• Manage the operational budget for the facilities and provide input into larger capital and infrastructure investments