Laboratory Manager 7036

First Base Employment; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Cycle to Work

Discounted products

Enhanced pension

Wellbeing support

Job summary

First Base Employment is recruiting a Laboratory Manager for a well-established food manufacturing business in the United Kingdom. You will lead the laboratory function and support the wider Technical team, taking responsibility for testing, product safety, quality and compliance.

The role requires strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP and microbiological testing. You will manage a small team of Laboratory Technicians, drive continuous improvement and ensure audit readiness across certifications.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Experience leading a small lab team.
• Knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety standards.
• Understanding HACCP principles and CCP validation.
• Knowledge of microbiological safety and QMS.
• Experience with data analysis and trend reporting.

Responsibilities

• Own product safety, quality, and compliance across lab testing.
• Plan testing for raw materials, in-process, finished, and shelf-life.
• Ensure methods followed; record, monitor, analyze, and trend results.
• Lead and develop Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Team Leader.
• Maintain audit readiness and support audits.
• Maintain equipment calibration, validation, servicing.
• Coordinate external lab testing.
• Provide Certificates of Conformance when required.
• Drive continuous improvement in procedures.

Skills

Laboratory management

Team leadership

BRCGS knowledge

HACCP principles

CCP validation

Quality systems

Data analysis

Technical reporting

SOP writing

Microsoft Office

Regulatory compliance

Education

HNC in Food Science

Degree in Microbiology

Tools

Quality Management System platforms

Job description

Laboratory Manager 7036

Location: Tewkesbury
Hours: 40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday, with flexibility for urgent operational requirements
Salary: £35,000–£37,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Job Overview

Our client, a well-established food manufacturing business, is seeking a knowledgeable and confident Laboratory Manager to lead its laboratory function and support the wider Technical team.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for laboratory testing, product safety, quality and compliance while leading and developing a small team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Manager or ambitious Laboratory Team Leader with strong knowledge of food safety, BRCGS standards, HACCP and microbiological testing.

Key Responsibilities of a Laboratory Manager

• Take ownership of product safety, quality and compliance across all laboratory testing activities
• Plan and oversee testing schedules for raw materials, in-process products, finished products and shelf-life testing
• Ensure appropriate testing methods are followed and all results are accurately recorded, monitored, analysed and trended
• Manage, support and develop the Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Team Leader
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture with clear communication regarding food safety and quality
• Maintain audit readiness and support the Technical Manager during BRCGS and other accreditation audits
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, validated and serviced according to schedule
• Manage the installation, verification and validation of new laboratory equipment
• Coordinate testing and analysis completed by external laboratories
• Provide Certificates of Conformance to customers when required
• Initiate and manage non-conformance investigations in partnership with the Technical and Production teams
• Champion HACCP, Food Safety Management Systems and robust laboratory procedures
• Maintain the Laboratory Manual and ensure testing regimes comply with legislation and COSHH requirements
• Produce KPI reports and use data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Lead root-cause investigations and implement appropriate corrective actions
• Drive continuous improvement across testing procedures, documentation and laboratory processes
• Lead sensory-panel training and maintain high standards of hygiene, housekeeping and safety

Key Skills of a Laboratory Manager

Essential

• Previous hands-on experience working within a laboratory environment
• Experience coordinating or managing a small laboratory team
• Confident people leader with strong communication, coaching and problem-solving skills
• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety standards
• Good understanding of HACCP principles and CCP validation
• Knowledge of microbiological safety and Food Safety Management Systems
• Experience working with Quality Management System platforms
• Ability to review, analyse and trend laboratory data
• Excellent attention to detail in technical reporting and SOP writing
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Competent user of Microsoft Office
• Able to maintain high standards of accuracy, quality and compliance
• Flexibility to provide occasional out-of-hours support for urgent operational requirements

Desirable

• HNC or degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or another relevant scientific subject
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry
• Previous experience within the dairy or wider food-manufacturing industry
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards
• Experience preparing for or supporting BRCGS accreditation audits
• Previous experience as a Laboratory Manager or Laboratory Team Leader

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for professional development and progression
• 30 days’ holiday, increasing after three years’ service
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discounted company products
• Enhanced pension through salary exchange
• Health and wellbeing support through Simplyhealth following successful completion of probation
• Supportive and experienced Technical team