Our client, a leading manufacturer of components and systems for the aerospace sector and part of a global group, is seeking an innovative, dynamic Lab Lead and Test Manager to lead, facilitate to and perform testing and qualification activities in the Environmental Test Laboratory. This is a broad and varied role entailing a wide range of duties, further details of which are included in the full job description, but the successful candidate will be required to: * Ensure that the lab is well organised, that all equipment is well maintained and operated safely, and to manage capacity and priorities * Ensure that all testing is caried out a systematic and planned way, ensuring required specifications are met * Provide data that will help to improve the quality and features of products * Ensure that all the team members are well motivated and fully trained, whilst driving continuous improvement in the team. * Liaise with other key departments and stakeholders and report on Laboratory delivery performance and KPIs * Assist internal and external audit teams to ensure that Quality system complies with the relevant standards * Champion all aspects of the Company’s continuous improvement programme and identify opportunities for implementing process improvements * Participate in the Company’s safety initiatives, setting high personal standards in H&S and ensure full adherence to the Company’s environmental procedures and rules * Undertake any additional tasks as may be delegated by the Engineering & Laboratory Manager * Set high personal standards of work * Produce work of consistently high quality and in accordance with the output level required, with minimal supervision * Understand products and their use in industry as well as customer test requirements, developing appropriate test methods to meet their expectations * Manage the facilitation of external test programs * Manage a team of test engineers and laboratory technicians, providing day-to-day direction, training, and performance feedback The successful candidate will have: * A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field * Hands-on experience in aerospace testing or laboratory environments, with leadership responsibility preferred * Familiarity with aerospace materials, components, and industry standards (e.g., AS910) * Expertise in designing and conducting mechanical, electrical, or environmental tests on aerospace components * Knowledge in operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation * Experience of data analysis and technical report writing * Proficiency with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and statistical tools * Strong leadership and team-building ability * Clear verbal and written communication * Organisational skills for scheduling and resource management * High attention to detail and commitment to safety * Problem-solving and root cause analysis capability * The ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities This a full-time role and does not support hybrid working Salary to £50k plus benefits package