Microbiology Manager

Manpower; England; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG company is seeking a Microbiology Manager for a maternity cover role of 12 months. Located at the Colworth Science Park, this position will support R&D product developers and oversee microbiological solutions for new products. The ideal candidate will have an MSc in a relevant field, strong experience in microbiology within the food industry, and excellent communication skills. This full-time role offers a competitive salary up to £52,000, with a mix of remote and onsite working.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in applied/industry microbiology roles (3+ years).
• Good influencing and communication skills in English.
• Ability to lead team activities and program direction.

Responsibilities

• Act as microbiology point of contact for R&D.
• Lead microbiological risk assessments for product safety.
• Line-manage and mentor microbiology team members.

Skills

Microbiology expertise

Project management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

MSc in Food Microbiology or related field

Job description

Microbiology Manager – Maternity Cover (12 months)

Manpower is currently looking for a Microbiology Manager to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for blogger brands such as Magnum, Carte d'Or, Cornetto, Walls, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at the client's Research & Development facility, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car. It also houses the client's global centre of excellence in safety and sustainability sciences.

This is a full‑time temporary role, maternity cover for 12 months requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation is competitive, up to £52,000 per annum pro‑rata, depending on experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

About the Company

The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) is the largest global ice‑cream company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, responsible craft food experiences. Committed to innovation, quality and sustainability, we have 35 brands, including 3 one‑billion‑Euro brands (Magnum, Waldo's,ître & Jerry', loved in 76 countries and generating annual revenue of over $8 billion.

We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative ice‑cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our ice‑cream business, we craft the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate.

Our Team

Ensuring that The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) products are safe to consume is paramount. The Global Scientific Affairs function, part of RD&I, brings together Food Safety, Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition expertise to ensure safe‑by‑design compliance. The Global RD&I Microbiology team delivers business‑relevant microbiological solutions underpinning brand innovation programmes.

• Act as microbiology first point of contact in providing expertise for R&D product developers, quality and supply chain support.
• Ensure end‑to‑end quality in microbiology science‑based support, including data analysis, visualization, interpretation, presentation and reporting to stakeholders.
• Lead microbiological risk assessments to establish the basis for safety and stability of new product and process designs.
• Identify and adapt new methodologies/processes enabling continuous future‑fit microbiological data science.
• Stay up to date on novel insights and solutions in food preservation systems (e.g. hurdle technology, natural antimicrobials).
• Line‑manage and mentor microbiology team members.
• Provide technical expertise in the design of microbiological experiments for innovation support and ensure robustness of the data.
• Lead technical input for relevant good manufacturing documents and training materials to maintain product and process design knowledge.

All About You

• Ideally MSc or higher in relevant subject (e.g. Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Science & Technology).
• Proven experience (>3 years) in applied/industry microbiology roles in the food sector, including leading projects and managing teams.
• Good influencing and communication skills (fluent English written and verbal); ability to influence and defend own agenda before internal and external stakeholders (e.g. R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, co‑packers).< unserem>
• Ability to use technical judgment to lead team activities and program direction.
• Team player with a flexible "we can" attitude, yet able to work agilely and independently.

Colworth Science Park Working Environment

• 9 miles from Bedford
• 18 miles from M1
• Modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building
• Large green outdoor spaces
• Shuttle bus provided from Bedfordshire area to Site