Laboratory Manager - Fixed Term Contract

Eurofins Scientific; Linlithgow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international life sciences company is seeking a Food Testing Laboratory Manager in Linlithgow. The role involves overseeing laboratory operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Microbiology or Biological Science and previous managerial experience in a laboratory setting. Join us to contribute to a safer and healthier world.

Qualifications

• In-depth technical knowledge of food testing laboratory activities.
• Previous supervisory or managerial experience in a busy laboratory.
• Knowledge of UKAS and ISO testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage the laboratory team, including recruitment and training.
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory Quality Manual and related policies.
• Promote continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Skills

Leadership

Customer-focused

Service-oriented

Education

Degree or equivalent in Microbiology or Biological Science

Tools

LIMS

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Eurofins Scientific Food Testing Laboratory Manager

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company providing a wide range of analytical testing services across multiple industries. We are committed to making life and our environment safer, healthier, and more sustainable. Our laboratories work with major companies worldwide to ensure product safety, authenticity, and accurate labeling.

Eurofins is dedicated to societal and environmental health, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are proud to be an armed forces-friendly employer, welcoming applications from reservists, veterans, cadet instructors, and military spouses and partners.

If you are passionate about contributing to a safer and healthier world, consider joining our team by applying for the role below and become part of the Eurofins network.

Position Overview

This role reports to the Business Unit Manager for Food Testing in Linlithgow. The primary responsibility is to oversee the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of the Food Testing Laboratory. This is a one-year fixed-term, full-time position (40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 09:30 - 18:00).

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the laboratory team, including recruitment, scheduling, leave, sickness, training, development, mentoring, motivation, and disciplinary matters.
2. Maintain and update staff skills training matrix.
3. Oversee data transfer related to samples and results, and ensure confidentiality of information.
4. Work closely with customers to translate requirements into laboratory procedures.
5. Ensure compliance with Laboratory Quality Manual and related policies and procedures.
6. Handle complaints and investigations promptly and to a high standard.
7. Promote continuous improvement within the laboratory to enhance performance.
8. Ensure all work meets client requirements within specified timeframes.
9. Ensure staff are properly trained, and training documentation is maintained, including ongoing competency assessments.
10. Maintain, calibrate, and service laboratory equipment to standards, ensuring safety.
11. Maintain laboratory facilities and environment in compliance with standards, liaising with relevant stakeholders.
12. Complete and manage internal and external audits.
13. Control laboratory costs, including consumables and labor, within budget.
14. Support projects and capital investments annually.
15. Use KPIs to monitor and improve laboratory productivity and performance.
16. Manage waste to minimize environmental impact.
17. Ensure laboratory safety standards are upheld, including risk assessments and safe systems of work.
18. Ensure all procedures are documented and samples are handled correctly.
19. Manage projects, keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
20. Coordinate with stock control to maintain adequate supplies.
21. Ensure staff safety through training and proper work environment maintenance, complying with COSHH and health and safety regulations.
22. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, empowering staff to take ownership of their environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Microbiology or Biological Science.
• In-depth technical knowledge of food testing laboratory activities (sampling, preparation, incubation, etc.).
• Knowledge of UKAS and ISO testing methods.
• Previous supervisory or managerial experience in a busy laboratory.
• Proficiency in IT, including LIMS, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Experience working with internal and external customers.
• Proven ability to meet and exceed targets.
• Strong leadership and performance management skills.
• Customer-focused and service-oriented mindset.
• Passion for maintaining a safe working environment.