KFS are one of the leading forensic providers in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality service and building strong working relationships with our customer base. Our team of forensic scientists are experienced in the interpretation and reporting of a wide range of evidence types in support of criminal investigations.

We are passionate about supporting the Criminal Justice System and want to hear from potential employees who share that same passion.

Please read the requirements of the job carefully as your application will be measured against them. Please ensure you have the experience we are looking for. This is a specialist role and as such we will only shortlist those with the relevant experience and attributes.

To provide inspirational, role model leadership to the Chemistry Department. To drive for results in support of the Company’s strategic, commercial and operational goals. To be a catalyst for change and innovation, to support the future growth and development of the business.

A dual role combining the responsibilities of departmental management those of a Reporting Manager. Your priorities will be to provide direction and deliver departmental excellence and efficiency driven by the demands of the business and our customers, with strong emphasis on continuous improvement and communication.

You will foster a culture of personal development and growth within your team working closely with staff to nurture and engage your team in maximising their performance and contribution to the business.

It will be essential to work collaboratively with other departments as the bedrock for sustaining productive working relationships.

Duties & Responsibilities

Drive and communicate your departmental objectives, goals and measures to the Chemistry Department ensuring regular ‘on target’ reviews take place. Be accountable and take responsibility for all departmental communications, encouraging regular 1:1’s and team meetings as appropriate.

Manage your own resources, including a personal case load, taking responsibility for your own continued professional and leadership development.

Take major operational decisions in line with the company’s strategic and commercial objectives. Ensure the Chemistry Department is compliant with all KFS policies and procedures, including the Quality Management System, and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice.

Manage, with participation as appropriate, audits and discussions relating to laboratory services with both internal/external stakeholders.

Effective management of all resourcing issues, including recruitment, selection and retention and be prepared to delegate authority in support of your team’s growth and development.

Allocate and distribute work to the Chemistry Department in a fair and consistent manner. Provide mentoring and coaching for your team in support of their individual training and development needs.

To ensure that each of your team members work to KFS employment policies and procedures, including:

•Health and Safety

•Equality and diversity

•Absence management

Measure and assess the performance of your team based on agreed objectives and work plans using the KFS appraisal process. Provide regular feedback to your department on their work performance in a motivational and constructive way.

Skills & Competencies

•Customer focused with demonstrable commercial acumen.

•Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including well developed reporting and presentation skills.

•Problem solving skills essential and ability to deal with complexity coupled managing a workload.

•Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

•Strong IT capability with an ability to analyse data and formulate decisions accordingly.

•Analytical thinking, including planning and scheduling.

•Well-developed inter-personal skills will be essential.

•Ability to deal with conflict through to resolution.

Personal Attributes

•Strong leadership capability with an outstanding ability to engage and motivate others.

•Highly motivated individual who approaches work with a positive attitude.

•Able to work on their own initiative and with exceptional attention to detail.

•High level of honesty and integrity.

•Strong work ethic and commitment.

•Professional business disposition and of smart appearance.

•Empathetic approach with demonstrable physical and emotional resilience in managing your department’s personal and operational needs.

Qualifications

• Scientific or related degree essential. A business qualification (or equivalent experience) is an advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years experience in a forensic chemistry (Marks & Traces) working environment is essential. Experience in a leadership role is an advantage.

Terms & Conditions

37 hours per week (part time hours can also be considered - please indicate this in your application)

Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays (pro rata)

Pension – Contributory

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Retailer discounts

Location: Coventry

IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STRINGENT SECURITY VETTING YOU MUST HAVE RESIDED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR APPLICATION. WE CANNOT CONSIDER APPLICANTS THAT HAVE NOT LIVED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS AND YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A VALID RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK DOCUMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

KFS is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our work force. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. One of our goals is to work within an environment free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice. We aim to embed this in all of our recruitment and selection policies, procedures and practices.