Laboratory Programme Lead

Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, primarily site-based with flexibility where business needs allow. Occasional travel to other laboratory locations may be required.

Company

hirify.global provides Geo-data and technical expertise to help clients design, build, and operate assets safely, sustainably, and efficiently.

What you will do

• Lead and develop the Laboratory Programme Management team, building an inclusive and high-performing environment.
• Own the laboratory planning and programme management framework, including governance, resource planning, and schedule control.
• Oversee laboratory testing schedules and manage risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges to improve predictability and on-time performance.
• Act as the escalation point for programme issues while balancing quality, cost, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
• Build relationships with clients, project teams, and laboratory stakeholders to support clear communication and service delivery.
• Support tenders, proposals, programme financial administration, invoicing, KPI analysis, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree-level qualification, or equivalent professional experience, in programme management, project management, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading a laboratory programme or commercial laboratory operation, with accountability for end-to-end commercial coordination, client success, profitability, and predictable client-focused laboratory services.
• Experience leading project delivery within a complex, high-throughput, or regulated environment.
• Experience managing and developing teams, including driving performance, workforce planning, and continuous improvement.
• Strong planning, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in a dynamic operational environment.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with clients, operational teams, and senior stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory or similar regulated environment.
• APM PMQ, PMI PMP, or equivalent project or programme management certification.
• Knowledge of geotechnical, geophysical, or related laboratory operations.

Culture & Benefits

• Positive, inclusive, diverse, and collaborative work environment focused on meaningful Geo-data projects.
• National and international career and training opportunities.
• Contributory pension scheme, private medical insurance, health cash plan, group life assurance, and group income protection.
• Electric car scheme, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership, and discounts platform.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, long service awards, values awards, and employee referral bonus scheme.