Test Lab Manager

New Yesterday

W Talent are delighted to be working exclusively with an established aerospace manufacturing business that is looking to recruit a Quality Test Lab Manager for their Sheffield site.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where you will take full ownership of the Electronics Quality Test Lab, driving operational performance, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement across the function.

Role Overview

The Quality Test Lab Manager will be responsible for the leadership, performance, and strategic development of the company's test laboratory. You will oversee all day-to-day laboratory activities while ensuring the lab operates with high levels of accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with aerospace quality standards.

Leading the in-house testing team, you will focus on strengthening capability within the lab, improving equipment reliability, managing complex testing workloads, and driving the modernisation of test capabilities to support current and future business needs. You will work closely with quality, engineering, and production teams to maintain strong quality systems, solve complex technical challenges, and deliver continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and performance management for the test lab team.
Identify capability gaps and implement training and development plans to strengthen team performance.
Establish clear objectives, standards, and accountability within the lab environment.
Foster a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Oversee day-to-day test lab activities including supplier qualification, inspection, and material analysis.
Manage high volumes of complex and critical testing work ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
Prioritise workloads and allocate resources effectively to minimise bottlenecks, errors, and delays.
Ensure laboratory operations fully support wider production and engineering requirements.
Implement and manage preventive maintenance schedules for all laboratory equipment.
Lead troubleshooting and corrective actions to minimise equipment downtime.
Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of testing operations during equipment failures.
Conduct a comprehensive plant-wide review of all test laboratory equipment.
Identify obsolete, underperforming, or high-risk assets and recommend upgrades or replacements.
Drive the modernisation of testing capabilities to align with industry standards and future business requirements.
Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for test lab improvement and development.
Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Manage laboratory equipment inventory, ensuring availability of critical testing equipment and backup resources.
Lead procurement of laboratory equipment, consumables, and specialist services.
Build and maintain strong relationships with equipment suppliers and service providers.Key Requirements

Proven experience in a Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Test Lab Manager, or Senior Quality Engineer role.
Experience within aerospace, precision engineering, medical devices, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Strong understanding of laboratory operations, testing processes, and quality assurance principles.
Solid engineering understanding with the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
Experience using structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, Ishikawa, or root cause analysis methods.
Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing technical teams.
Experience improving equipment reliability, maintenance systems, or laboratory performance.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Salary & Benefits

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per year
Bonus: Company Bonus Scheme
Hours: Monday - Friday, days based with flexibility
Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays
Pension: Company pension scheme
Development: Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Key Information

This role combines technical leadership, operational management, and strategic development of the test laboratory to ensure it operates efficiently, reliably, and in line with aerospace quality standards. Apply today or contact Glyn Dobb at W Talent for more information on this opportunity to join a growing aerospace business and play a key role in driving quality, testing capability, and engineering improvements
Apply
Location:
Sheffield
Salary:
£40,000 - £50,000 /annum Company Bonus Scheme
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Engineering

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