Microbiology Laboratory Team Leader

Pertemps; Kingston upon Hull; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing business in Hull is seeking a Laboratory Team Leader with a focus on microbiology. The role involves supervising laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and managing a team of technicians. Candidates must have a strong background in microbiology and leadership experience. A competitive salary and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development opportunities

Supportive and professional team

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a lab environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and HACCP systems.
• Experience in supervising laboratory staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of the laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP and ISO standards.
• Manage laboratory staff training and performance.

Skills

Microbiological techniques

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Time management

IT skills in Excel and reporting tools

Education

BSc in Microbiology

Food Science with microbiology focus

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Team Leader – Microbiology Focus
Recruiting on behalf of a leading food manufacturing business
Location: Hull
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Hours: 37.5 hours/week, Day Shifts
Salary: Competitive
Right to Work in the UK Required

Ready to Make Your Next Move?
If you’re a microbiology professional with a proven leadership track record, we want to hear from you! Apply today to join a forward-thinking organisation where your knowledge, ideas, and leadership will make a real impact.

What’s in it for you?

• Join a business that’s investing in quality, innovation, and sustainability.
• Be part of a supportive and professional team with a culture of continuous improvement.
• Great career development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Only candidates with a valid UK Right to Work can be considered for this role.

Pertemps is delighted to partner with a major player in the food manufacturing industry to recruit an experienced Microbiology Laboratory Team Leader with a solid microbiology background. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident, capable professional with hands-on lab and leadership experience to step into a critical role within a forward-thinking, safety-first business.

You’ll lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians while overseeing microbiological and analytical testing. Your primary focus will be on maintaining quality standards, ensuring lab efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement in product safety and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise daily operations of the on-site laboratory, with a focus on microbiological testing and food safety compliance.
• Interpret microbiological and analytical data and take appropriate action to support product quality and safety.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are compliant with HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, BRCGS, and internal standards.
• Manage laboratory staff rotas, training, performance, and development to ensure a high-performing team.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; manage lab consumables stock and external testing where needed.
• Collaborate with production, FS&Q, and global technical teams to investigate quality issues and drive improvement initiatives.
• Provide clear reporting and presentation of lab data to site and senior management.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• A strong academic background in Microbiology (BSc or similar) - essential
• Food Science with microbiology focus – desirable
• Demonstrable experience in a lab-based leadership or supervisory role, ideally within the food, chemical, petrochemical Gas/Oil, distillery or pharma industry.
• Solid understanding of microbiological techniques - essential, food safety, and HACCP systems - desirable.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving and time management skills.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel and reporting tools.
• A self-motivated, precise, and collaborative individual who leads by example.

Apply now or contact the Pertemps team to find out more.