Team Leader (Inorganic Chemistry team)

In this position within our Inorganic Chemistry department, which is the department that has the highest throughput of samples in the laboratory, you’ll be responsible for the management of 6-7  analysts. The role involves resourcing and technical responsibility for inorganic chemistry methods.

Our labs are a key part of the business, which allow us to monitor that our drinking water is safe and clean and that our waste product is treated in the correct way. We analyse samples from our customers' homes, natural waters and waste effluent from our treatment sites, as well as sludges and soils. We have a high standard of quality and maintain accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 for most of our methods and hold accreditation for both DWTS and MCERTs for a selection of key determinants.

What you’ll be doing as a Team Leader

• Authorisation and technical responsibility for analysis within a defined area to meet UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), Environment Agency and DWI (Drinking Water Inspectorate) standards and relevant H&S Standards
• Investigations documented to establish the extent/impact and root cause, and implement suitable corrective actions
• Ensure sufficient resources for running the team, including maintenance and servicing of analytical equipment and training

Base location: Spenser House, Reading
Working hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday

What you should bring to the role

• Have relevant laboratory experience within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
• Have a degree in a relevant science discipline 
• Management experience. Be a credible leader with the drive and energy to deliver, leading and supporting your team, driving a culture of safety and performance management across the teams
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to clearly interact with our stakeholders
• Be fully competent on the MS Office suite, SharePoint, and have a good understanding of LIM systems
• Have the customer at the heart of everything you do and value being part of a team that delivers exceptional customer service

What’s in it for you?

• This role will be paid £46,560 per annum
• Annual leave 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values
Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.