'From the Bench' with Ando - A Day in the Life of a Section Manager

How a day looks for any individual at Hill Labs can be quite varied. No two days are the same across our plethora of lab teams and support staff. Whilst some might start work at 5:30am, unpacking the first deliveries of samples before the Earth leans into the first light, others will be need to sort the kids for school drop off before heading into work with a full keep-cup of caffeinated goodness. 

Each employee of Hill labs would be able to give an interesting insight into how they go about their day, what they do to make each day the best for themselves, their team, the company and most importantly, the client. This month, I have asked Pramit Patel to share how he does it. Pramit is the Honey Section Manager at Hill Labs and is a man of routine. Pramit took me through what he does at different parts of his day that sets him up for success, whilst also touching on the culture at Hill Labs, his key involvement in the recruitment of staff and the importance of a well timed coffee. 

The transition from Home to Work 

The transition happens at exactly 6:00 AM. It starts with the hum of an espresso machine - a sound that, for Pramit, serves as the signal that it is time to start switching on to work mode. 

"That first long black sets the tone," he says. "It’s the moment my brain realises it’s time to be useful." 

As the coffee brews, the day’s strategy begins to take shape. Pramit isn't just waking up; he’s glancing at sample numbers from the team already in the lab and triaging his inbox. This gives Pramit a gauge of the workload in the section. Pramit's commute to work finishes the transition. By the time he pulls into his parking spot, "home mode" is firmly off. Operations mode is on. 

In the world of lab operations, success is often defined by what doesn’t happen. When things run smoothly, the work is invisible. When they don’t, everyone notices. Pramit’s first hour on-site is dedicated to ensuring that urgent services are on track, reviewing any overnight issues and locking in any priorities that need to be actioned for the day. 

Pramit then heads in and carries out a circuit of the lab. It isn't a formal meeting; it’s a walk around the lab to "read the room." Spotting any pressure points early and ensuring the team are aware of the priorities for the day. This helps Pramit and his team catch small issues before they become big ones, which is a big part of operations done well. 

"A small change in the lab today can be the difference between a client receiving their results on time, or not," he explains. "Quality, speed, and expectations rarely line up neatly. My job is to make sure they do." 

Culture, Food, and the "Hangry" Window 

Pramit and the staff in the Honey Section bond through shared humour, go-karting trips, and an unofficial obsession with good food. More so, the culture is built on the small things - like quick check-ins and knowing when someone needs help before they ask for it. During peak periods of the year, this trust is what keeps everything moving. 

However, there are a few "non-negotiables" for those who work closely with Pramit. There is the 9:10 AM coffee - the second of his two "fixed" daily caffeine hits. And then there is the 12:15 PM lunch rule. 

"We have a stand-up at midday," Pramit explains. "The team knows not to let it drag on too long, or they’ll meet 'Hangry Pramit.' Not the best time for making important decisions." 

Pramit speaks highly of the Section Manager group he is a part of. “There is a strong sense of shared accountability. Problems are talked through openly and advice is freely given and nobody pretends they have all the answers”. He also speaks excitedly about the blind wine tasting events that have become a bit of a tradition in the group, with wide agreement that these are both highly educational and completely necessary. 

Building the Future 

Perhaps the most rewarding part of Pramit’s role isn’t the samples or the workflows - it’s the people. Having been recognised for his contributions to recruitment, he takes a personal interest in helping graduates turn university theory into professional reality. 

"I know how hard it is to get that first foot in the door," he says. "Watching someone find their confidence and realise how their work contributes to something bigger... that’s the most fulfilling part of my role." 

Pramit and his section take pride in delivering results on time for the client. It helps to know why the work matters, Pramit explains how he connects the client to the lab. 

"A big part of my role is staying connected to our clients and working closely with the commercial team to understand what they’re seeing and hearing on the ground. I also make a point of going out on client visits where possible. Being able to see their operations firsthand and have direct conversations gives real context to the work we do in the lab. It’s not just about samples and turnaround times. It’s about the businesses, decisions, and people relying on those results." 

"I bring those insights back into the lab so the team understands the “why” behind the work, not just the “what.” When people can connect what they’re doing to real client needs and pressures, it changes how we operate. It shapes priorities, improves communication, and helps us make better decisions day to day. That link between clients, the commercial team, and the lab is what keeps our work practical, relevant, and grounded in real outcomes." 

The Final Scan 

As the Earth welcomes the impending darkness and the lab continues its work, Pramit performs one final scan. He checks what’s moving, what’s flagged, and what might cause a headache overnight. Keeping an eye on emails into the evening to ensure the team are supported before switching off and transitioning back to the home version of Pramit. 

"If tomorrow starts calmly," he says, "then I’ve done my job today."