Laboratory Manager

Cotteswold Dairy; East Kilbride; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy producer is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to oversee product safety and quality in Tewkesbury. The role includes managing laboratory activities, leading a team, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. A strong background in HACCP and microbiological safety is required. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, making it an excellent opportunity for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

22 days holiday plus bank holidays

Cycle to Work scheme

Health & wellbeing support

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Significant experience coordinating teams in a lab environment.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety standards.
• Attention to detail in reporting and SOP writing.

Responsibilities

• Own product safety and quality across all testing activities.
• Plan and oversee testing schedules.
• Manage and develop the Laboratory Technicians.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

HACCP compliance

Microbiological safety

Education

HNC/Degree in a science-related subject

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Manager – Cotteswold Dairy (Tewkesbury)

Location: Tewkesbury Production Site | Hours: 40 hours, usually Monday - Friday (with flexibility for urgent operational needs) | Department: Technical | Reports to: Technical Manager.

The Role – What You’ll Lead

• Own product safety, quality and compliance across all testing activities (raw materials, in-process, finished product, shelf life).
• Plan and oversee testing schedules, ensuring the correct methods are followed and results are recorded, monitored, analysed and trended.
• Manage and develop the Laboratory Technicians and Team Leader; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with clear communication on food safety and quality issues.
• Maintain audit readiness: prepare for and participate in site accreditation audits (BRCGS), supporting the Technical Manager.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, validated and serviced to schedule; manage new installs and verifications.
• Coordinate external laboratory analysis and provide Certificates of Conformance to customers; initiate and manage non-conformance investigations with Technical and Production.
• Champion HACCP, Food Safety Management Systems, and robust laboratory procedures; oversee the Laboratory Manual and testing regimes in line with legislation and COSHH.
• Drive KPI reporting, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement of testing procedures and documentation.
• Lead sensory panel training and uphold hygiene, housekeeping, and safety standards.

About You – Skills & Experience

• Confident people leader with excellent communication, problem-solving and coaching skills; experienced coordinating small teams in a lab environment.
• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, CCP validation, microbiological safety and QMS platforms.
• Hands-on background in a laboratory function (ideally Food Science/Microbiology/Biology); meticulous attention to detail in reporting and SOP writing.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and comfortable with data trending/analysis.

Desirable

• HNC/Degree in a science-related subject with strong knowledge of Food Microbiology and Food Chemistry.
• Knowledge of the dairy industry and laboratory accreditation standards.

Hours & Location

40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, based at our Tewkesbury Production Site, with occasional out-of-hours presence for urgent operational needs.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary with growth and development opportunities
• 22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (rising after 3 years’ service)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discounted products & doorstep delivery
• Enhanced pension via Salary Exchange
• Health & wellbeing support through Simply Health (post-probation)
• Private Medical Insurance (after qualifying service)

About Cotteswold Dairy

Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies, supporting local farmers and communities with the freshest products and first-class customer service. We succeed as Team Cotteswold—valuing each other and our customers—so our company remains the first preference for employees and customers alike, over the long term. Our purpose is to be at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.

Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco-friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste-to-landfill operations. More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values-driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high-quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced Laboratory Manager (or ambitious Laboratory Team Leader) with a passion for food safety, BRCGS compliance and HACCP, we’d love to hear from you.