Lead Laboratory Operations – Microbiology & Cosmetics

Chelab; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company in the UK is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetic testing laboratory operations, ensure compliance with ISO 17025, and act as technical authority on site.

You will manage a team of analysts, oversee testing workflows and projects, coordinate audits, and liaise with clients while upholding safety standards. A competitive salary will be offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related discipline.
• Strong IT literacy and ISO 17025 knowledge.
• Experience in cosmetics testing including 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.
• 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.

Skills

Quality management

Team leadership

Testing and analysis

Auditing

ISO 17025

Safety compliance

IT literacy

Cosmetics testing

Food testing

Education

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

Job description

Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company in the UK is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetic testing laboratory operations, ensure compliance with ISO 17025, and act as technical authority on site.

You will manage a team of analysts, oversee testing workflows and projects, coordinate audits, and liaise with clients while upholding safety standards. A competitive salary will be offered.