Laboratory Team Leader

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Müller in Skelmersdale is seeking a proactive Laboratory Team Leader to guide the laboratory team, uphold quality, food safety, and drive continuous improvement. You will oversee day-to-day testing operations and ensure compliance with quality systems to deliver safe, authentic products.

Reporting to the Technical Manager, you will coach 5–10 laboratory colleagues, apply microbiology and chemical analysis expertise, and lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance site performance and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship qualification or equivalent experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, or technical environment.
• Advanced knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
• Previous experience leading, coaching, or developing a team.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and facilitate improvements.
• Experience working within 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 5-10 laboratory colleagues.
• Act as a 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.
• Ensure management systems are effective and support the production of safe, saleable products.
• 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 the investigation and resolution of quality issues through effective root cause analysis.
• Facilitate advanced problem-solving activities using recognised methodologies.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve quality performance and business effectiveness.
• Lead and deliver 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

Coaching

Quality management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Apprenticeship or equivalent in laboratory environment

Job description

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Location: Skelmersdale
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent, Monday - Friday

The Opportunity

We are looking for a proactive and people-focused Laboratory Team Leader to lead our laboratory team and drive excellence in quality, food safety, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Technical Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, ensuring robust quality management systems are maintained and that safe, legal, and authentic products are consistently delivered.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will coach, develop, and inspire a team of Laboratory Technicians and Senior Quality Analysts while providing technical expertise in microbiology and chemical analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 5-10 laboratory colleagues.
• Act as a 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.

Laboratory Management

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the laboratory to ensure efficient delivery of testing and quality requirements.
• Ensure management systems are effective and support the production of safe, saleable products.
• 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.

Technical Expertise

• Provide specialist expertise in chemical and microbiological analysis.
• Support the investigation and resolution of quality issues through effective root cause analysis.
• Facilitate advanced problem-solving activities using recognised methodologies.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve quality performance and business effectiveness.
• Lead and deliver 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.

What We're Looking For

• Apprenticeship qualification or equivalent experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, or technical environment.
• Advanced knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
• Previous experience leading, coaching, or developing a team.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and facilitate improvements.
• Experience working within 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.

Key Skills & Behaviours

• Inspiring and inclusive leadership style.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capability.
• Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Results-driven with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills.

At Müller, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage people to apply even if they don’t meet every requirement listed. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know - we’re happy to support you.