Lead Lab Operations Manager – Food & Cosmetic Testing

Tentamus Agriparadigma S.r.l.; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company, based in the UK, is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetics testing laboratory operations. You will act as a technical authority on-site, ensuring testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS standards and safety legislation while guiding a team of analysts.

You will oversee QC processes, lead audits, and manage client communications, ensuring on-time, accurate results and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field.
• Extensive experience in laboratory management or senior technical roles in food or cosmetics.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure ISO 17025 compliance.
• Team Leadership - mentor Technicians and Microbiologists, drive training and performance goals.
• Testing and Analysis - supervise microbiological testing for food and cosmetics, ensure accuracy and timely turnaround.
• Auditing - lead readiness and respond to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - collaborate with Quality Team to maintain KPI-driven quality standards.

Skills

Quality management

Team leadership

Auditing

Microbiology testing

ISO 17025

Laboratory management

Cosmetics testing

CPSRs knowledge

IT literacy

Safety regulations

Food science background

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company, based in the UK, is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetics testing laboratory operations. You will act as a technical authority on-site, ensuring testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS standards and safety legislation while guiding a team of analysts.

You will oversee QC processes, lead audits, and manage client communications, ensuring on-time, accurate results and continuous