Deputy Laboratory Operations Manager

Job Description Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK Working Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, 5 days per week on-site At Fugro, we unlock insights from the Earth to help our clients design, build and operate their assets safely, sustainably and efficiently. As Deputy Laboratory Operations Manager, you'll play a key leadership role in one of the UK's leading geotechnical laboratories, helping to deliver high-quality testing services that support major infrastructure, renewable energy and environmental projects worldwide. Reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager, you'll lead teams, optimise laboratory performance and ensure resources, workflows and priorities are aligned to meet client expectations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader who is passionate about developing people, improving processes and creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace. Your role and responsibilities Support the day-to-day leadership of laboratory operations, ensuring testing services are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Lead, coach and develop Team Leads and operational support teams, fostering a collaborative culture focused on performance, learning and continuous improvement. Coordinate operational priorities, capacity planning and resource allocation to ensure client requirements and business objectives are successfully delivered. Act as a key link between laboratory operations, programme management, technical authorities, quality teams and other stakeholders to ensure smooth service delivery. Drive operational excellence through the analysis of performance metrics, identification of improvement opportunities and implementation of sustainable solutions. Ensure compliance with quality, accreditation, regulatory and safety requirements, maintaining audit readiness and supporting continuous quality improvement. Provide leadership continuity in the absence of the Laboratory Operations Manager, making informed operational decisions and managing risks effectively. What you'll need to thrive in this role Essential: Degree-level qualification and higher, or equivalent professional experience, in Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related technical discipline. Proven experience leading operational delivery within a regulated laboratory or similar technical environment, ideally with knowledge of ISO 17025 quality systems. Experience managing and developing teams, including workforce planning, performance management and capability development. Strong operational leadership, service delivery, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance safety, quality, delivery and cost considerations. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across diverse teams and functions. Desirable: Experience in geotechnical soil and rock testing…