58 Department Head Positions jobs in the United Kingdom

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team in a growing, scientifically renowned organisation with ambitious plans for the future?

Our client, a well-established authority with over 65 years of expertise in aquatic science, ecotoxicology, and environmental fate, are expanding and seeking an accomplished chemist experienced in strategic, technical and people leadership to drive the growth of their environmental fate department.

Operating from state-of-the-art laboratories in a stunning seafront location in Brixham, Devon, the company is known for solving some of the most complex regulatory and analytical challenges in the industry.

The Role:

You will take on a high-impact leadership role at the heart of the business. You’ll manage and inspire a multidisciplinary team of Study Directors, Scientists, Technicians, and support staff, while shaping the future direction of the department.

This is more than just a scientific leadership role, it’s an opportunity to step into senior management, drive innovation, and influence the strategic growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific and operational leadership to the Environmental Fate team
• Oversee study design and execution to ensure high-quality, regulatory-compliant output
• Steer departmental performance across science, quality, and financial metrics
• Expand capabilities and identify opportunities for innovation and service growth
• Play a key role in business development and client relationship management

About You:

We're looking for a confident, experienced leader with a passion for regulatory science and a strong track record in Analytical Chemistry. Ideal backgrounds include environmental metabolism, drug metabolism / DMPK, ADME or radiochemistry, but those from other closely associated disciplines are encouraged to apply. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, fast-evolving environment and be excited by the chance to make a lasting impact.

Essential:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related discipline
• Proven experience leading high-performing scientific teams
• Strong strategic and operational leadership skills
• Deep understanding of regulatory compliance (GLP)
• Excellent communicator with strong client-facing experience

What’s On Offer:

• A senior leadership role in a growing and forward-thinking organisation
• Competitive salary, pension, and benefits package, including relocation support
• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge scientific work with global impact
• A truly unique working environment – seafront location, supportive team culture, subsidised canteen, and an active social calendar

Apply to VRS to be considered!

Keywords: Head of, Manager, Technical Expert, Principal Scientist, Study Director, Study Manager, Technical specialist, technical lead, HPLC, High-performance liquid Chromatography, Chromatography, TLC, Radiolabeled, 14C, 3H, E-Fate, Environmental fate, Biodegradation, metabolism, Agrochemical, absorption, desorption, environmental, water, soil, air, pharmaceutical, pesticides, biocides, OECD, GLP, GxP, GMP, Brixham, Dartmouth, Torquay, Galmpton, Teignmouth, Southwest, Southcoast, VRS9016AW

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National Head of Department, Estates and Farm Agency

The position is based in our Chelsea/Marylebone offices, but it will necessitate client and site visits throughout England, including visits to regional offices and some remote working.

The role

As the leader of a National department, this individual will work closely with the Head of Department as a key contributor to the management of the business line. They will have overall responsibility for driving strategic initiatives; management of the client and service delivery, profitability, and people; and will be a brand representative internally and externally as the expert in their field.

• Oversee the delivery of high quality advice and service to clients and act as an escalation point as required.
• Ensure collaboration with local Regional Residential, Land Management and Estates and Farm Agency teams to the benefit of our clients and the service they receive.
• Act as a role model in the development and winning of new business opportunities at a national level, whilst instilling a focus on consistent business development within their teams.
• Be accountable for the financial performance of the department, and will develop and implement initiatives to improve revenue generation and profitability.
• Be responsible for leading the National team, whilst having local management responsibility in their home office. This includes the management of annual people processes at a department level.

Person specification

Essential Qualifications

• Educated to degree level
• MRICS

Essential Experience

• Demonstrable experience within the agricultural property market
• Can demonstrate successful long term business relationships
• Demonstrable cross selling successes

If this is the opportunity for you, then please click apply below. Or if you would like a confidential chat to find out more about the position, then feel free to reach out to Ryan on or email

National Head of Department, Estates and Farm Agency

The position is based in our Chelsea/Marylebone offices, but it will necessitate client and site visits throughout England, including visits to regional offices and some remote working.

The role

As the leader of a National department, this individual will work closely with the Head of Department as a key contributor to the management of the business line. They will have overall responsibility for driving strategic initiatives; management of the client and service delivery, profitability, and people; and will be a brand representative internally and externally as the expert in their field.

• Oversee the delivery of high quality advice and service to clients and act as an escalation point as required.
• Ensure collaboration with local Regional Residential, Land Management and Estates and Farm Agency teams to the benefit of our clients and the service they receive.
• Act as a role model in the development and winning of new business opportunities at a national level, whilst instilling a focus on consistent business development within their teams.
• Be accountable for the financial performance of the department, and will develop and implement initiatives to improve revenue generation and profitability.
• Be responsible for leading the National team, whilst having local management responsibility in their home office. This includes the management of annual people processes at a department level.

Person specification

Essential Qualifications

• Educated to degree level
• MRICS

Essential Experience

• Demonstrable experience within the agricultural property market
• Can demonstrate successful long term business relationships
• Demonstrable cross selling successes

If this is the opportunity for you, then please click apply below. Or if you would like a confidential chat to find out more about the position, then feel free to reach out to Ryan on or email

Head of Department - Ladieswear

House of Bruar are looking for an exceptional candidate to manage our Flagship Ladieswear Department- widely regarded as the best country clothing selection in Scotland.

About you- who we are looking for

A skilled visual merchandiser – This department is one the busiest and most high profile in the company- a real eye for great visual merchandising will be required to ensure the very best standards are maintained

A great man manager – you will train and develop the team to achieve great results, focusing on succession planning and staff retention.

You will enjoy working with and speaking to a diverse range of people- great communication is key in all of our roles, so you will need to speak English to high standard

Great time management skills.

Evidence of managing teams to achieve results.

You will be a team player- we are a family business so we help each other whenever is needed and work together to make sure the customer is always happy

About the role

• Maintaining our visually inspiring in-store and window displays to reflect the company brand and reputation
• Organising and managing the day to day activities for all aspects of the Department
• Managing the individuals, team and tasks of the Department
• To continually develop the team by facilitating department training sessions and briefs
• Engage the team to ensure they are working to the highest standards and meeting sales targets
• Manage all performance management issues, including absence management
• To passionately promote and drive Brand Image through extensive product knowledge.
• Manage the housekeeping of the department
• Responsible for all stock movements by liaising with the buying and warehouse teams

What we can offer you

Great training and career growth

Massive discount in our restaurant

Great discounts throughout the store- increasing with service

Long Term service awards – we reward our most loyal colleagues with their birthday day off, volunteering days, free family meals and a host of other great treats as a thank you.

Healthcare plan after one year service

Generous employee referral scheme

Holiday entitlement that increases with service

Employee Award- we reward our best performers each month

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme
• Store discount

Work Location: In person

• Define and execute the strategic vision and operational roadmap for the department, aligning with overall business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of operational professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee all operational activities, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation to achieve strategic goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all operational processes, implementing best practices and innovative solutions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track departmental performance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Collaborate with other department heads and senior leadership to ensure seamless integration and support of organizational goals.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, suppliers, and partners.
• Champion a culture of safety, compliance, and ethical conduct within the department.
• Represent the department in senior management meetings and provide insightful reports on operational performance and strategic progress.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes impacting operations.

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field; relevant professional certifications are a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, with a proven track record in managing large and complex departments.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic operational plans that have driven significant business improvements.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and P&L responsibility.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and people development skills.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage change and foster a culture of innovation.
• Experience in a hybrid working environment, balancing in-office collaboration with remote leadership.

• Providing strategic leadership and direction for the department.
• Developing and implementing departmental goals and objectives aligned with organizational strategy.
• Managing and mentoring a team of professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Overseeing departmental operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Developing and managing departmental budgets and resource allocation.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements and innovative solutions.
• Collaborating with other departments and senior leadership to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Monitoring departmental performance and reporting on key metrics to executive leadership.
• Driving a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team.
• Representing the department in internal and external forums as required.

• Define and execute the strategic vision and roadmap for the department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing remote team.
• Oversee departmental operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Set clear goals and objectives, and monitor progress towards their achievement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with other departments and external stakeholders.
• Represent the department in high-level meetings and strategic discussions.
• Implement and refine remote work best practices to optimize team productivity and engagement.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance departmental output.
• Report on departmental performance to senior leadership.
• Ensure alignment of departmental goals with the overall company strategy.

• Significant experience in a leadership or management role, ideally within a relevant industry.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate remote teams effectively.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience in change management and driving organizational transformation.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Comfort and experience with virtual collaboration tools and platforms.

• Develop and implement overarching marketing strategies aligned with company goals.
• Lead, manage, and mentor the marketing team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee all marketing activities, including digital marketing (SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing, email), public relations, advertising, and events.
• Manage the marketing budget effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and maximising ROI.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Develop and maintain strong brand positioning and messaging across all channels.
• Oversee the creation of compelling marketing collateral and campaigns.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and initiatives.
• Collaborate with other departments (Sales, Product Development) to ensure integrated business strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging marketing trends and technologies, recommending innovative approaches.
• Build and maintain relationships with external agencies and partners.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive marketing experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful integrated marketing campaigns.
• Expertise in digital marketing strategies and tools (Google Analytics, CRM, marketing automation platforms).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with a creative and innovative mindset.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• A strong understanding of brand management principles.