Lab Manager

Ipswich
Salary: £50,000 + benefits (flexible for an exceptional candidate)
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30–5:00 (37.5 hrs/week)

A leading UK manufacturer in the refrigeration, heat pump and HVAC sector is seeking an Lab Manager to take ownership of its product testing laboratory. Supplying major supermarkets and food manufacturers across the country, this organisation produces fully bespoke systems manufactured on-site at its Ipswich facility.

As part of continued expansion, the business is looking for a technically strong and hands-on Lab Manager to drive testing excellence and support innovation across its product lines.

The Opportunity

This is a practical, lab-based leadership role ideal for someone with strong technical expertise in refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat-pump systems. You will oversee all daily operations of the R&D test lab, ensuring high-quality testing, reliable data, and alignment with engineering and product development activities.

You will initially manage one Lab Technician, with a second hire planned for Summer 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Run and oversee all daily laboratory operations

• Ensure test rigs, tools and equipment are safe, calibrated and fully operational

• Record, analyse and interpret test data (temperatures, pressures, energy use, cycle efficiency, noise levels, diagnostics)

• Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and design improvements

• Maintain compliance and calibration across instruments, sensors and data-logging equipment

• Manage and mentor Lab Technicians, allocating tasks and reviewing progress

• Assist with performance, reliability, endurance, environmental and fault-condition testing

• Plan and schedule test activities to meet R&D and engineering project deadlines

• Develop, update and improve test procedures, standards and lab documentation

• Provide technical input in product development discussions

• Ensure safety, adherence to SOPs and compliance with regulations

About You

Essential:

• Previous Lab manager experience 

• Desirable experience with refrigeration, AC or heat-pump systems

• Practical lab/test environment experience

• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills

What’s on Offer

• Training and progression opportunities within a market-leading organisation

• Collaboration with wider engineering teams across Europe

• 24 days holiday + bank holidays (including Christmas shutdown)

• Pension + bonus scheme