Testing Rigs and Labs Operations Manager
Overview of Responsibilities
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
Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- Degree‑level qualification in engineering, science or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience)
- Experience leading operational teams in laboratory, engineering or technical facility environments
- Strong understanding of health, safety and risk management in complex or regulated settings
- Working knowledge of laboratory and equipment compliance frameworks (e.g. COSHH, PUWER, LOLER or equivalent)
- Experience establishing and governing asset management and operational assurance processes
- Proven ability to manage budgets and contribute to investment decisions
- Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience supporting R&D, experimental or prototype facilities
- Familiarity with continuous improvement approaches such as Lean or 5S
- Experience contributing to laboratory or facility upgrades, fit‑out or major equipment installation
Additional Information:
- This role involves regular presence in laboratory and workshop environments
- Occasional hands‑on involvement may be required
Additional Information
A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.
UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
