Lead Lab Operations: Food & Cosmetic Microbiology

One Scientific Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UKAS-accredited laboratory operations in food and cosmetics testing. You will act as a technical authority on-site, oversee testing workflows, and drive quality and compliance with ISO 17025.

You will manage a team of analysts, coordinate technical projects, and be the primary contact for client inquiries, ensuring accuracy, timelines, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in laboratory management or a senior technical role within the food or cosmetics industry.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation and safety requirements.
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong IT literacy.
• Experience in cosmetics including microbiological, chemical and physical testing, with knowledge of writing CPSRs.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - help oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Team Leadership - help lead and mentor Technicians and Microbiologists ensuring ongoing training and goals are met.
• Testing and Analysis - oversee microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations, ensuring accuracy and turnaround times.
• Auditing - Lead readiness and manage responses to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - Work with the Quality Team to ensure continual high standards, producing and presenting KPI data.

Skills

Leadership

ISO 17025

Laboratory management

Team management

Quality compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry

Job description

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UKAS-accredited laboratory operations in food and cosmetics testing. You will act as a technical authority on-site, oversee testing workflows, and drive quality and compliance with ISO 17025.

You will manage a team of analysts, coordinate technical projects, and be the primary contact for client inquiries, ensuring accuracy, timelines, and continuous improvement.