Lab Team Lead: Quality & Microbiology

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller; Bellshill; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller is seeking a proactive Laboratory Team Leader in Bellshill to head a laboratory team, ensuring robust quality management and delivery of safe, authentic products. You will guide technicians and senior analysts, applying microbiology and chemical analysis expertise to drive improvements.

The role involves coaching, strategic direction, and budget oversight, with a strong focus on production-supportive quality systems and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship qualification or equivalent experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, or technical environment.
• Knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
• Experience leading, coaching, or developing a team.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Proven problem-solving and improvements facilitation.
• Experience with quality management systems and food safety environments.
• A3/A0 problem-solving methodology experience.
• Food manufacturing or FMCG experience.
• Experience managing laboratory budgets and resources.
• Continuous improvement experience with demonstrable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 7 laboratory colleagues.
• Coach and mentor, supporting both individual and team development.
• Drive performance management processes, including objective setting, reviews, and development planning.
• Create clear purpose and direction aligned to site and business objectives.
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the laboratory to ensure efficient delivery of testing and quality requirements.
• Maintain compliance with quality, food safety, and regulatory standards.
• Manage laboratory budgets and resources effectively.
• Support and verify operational quality control processes across the site.
• Provide specialist expertise in chemical and microbiological analysis.
• Support investigations and root cause analysis of quality issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve quality performance and business effectiveness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the laboratory and wider site.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and improve processes.
• Encourage and develop a continuous improvement mindset within the team.
• Support team members in delivering improvement projects as part of their personal development.
• Drive achievement of OGSM and site quality objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical

Continuous improvement

Collaboration

Quality mindset

Coaching

Education

Apprenticeship qualification or equivalent experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, or technical environment

Job description

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller is seeking a proactive Laboratory Team Leader in Bellshill to head a laboratory team, ensuring robust quality management and delivery of safe, authentic products. You will guide technicians and senior analysts, applying microbiology and chemical analysis expertise to drive improvements.

The role involves coaching, strategic direction, and budget oversight, with a strong focus on production-supportive quality systems and regulatory compliance.