Senior Microbiology Lab Manager & Team Mentor

WOODSTOCK RECRUITMENT LIMITED; Wigan; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodstock Recruitment Limited is seeking a Microbiology Manager for a leading UK manufacturing client specializing in homecare and personal care products. You will lead two accredited microbiology laboratories (8 technicians) and be responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of testing services.

You will mentor staff, manage budgets, maintain accreditation, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring safety and quality across all microbiology activities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Microbiology or closely related field.
• Significant experience in manufacturing (Cosmetics/Homecare/Food/Pharma/Chemicals).
• Experience in accredited lab environments and ISO 17025.
• Experience leading and mentoring a laboratory team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 2 microbiology labs and 8 technicians, ensuring timely testing services.
• Manage budgets, requisitions and signatory approvals for the department.
• Mentor and develop staff through training, appraisals and workload planning.
• Maintain service levels with external suppliers and ensure continuity of testing.
• Design contingency plans to sustain lab services during disruptions.
• Ensure COSHH, risk assessments and health & safety compliance.
• Stay current with industry methodologies and ISO/BR exits.
• Lead investigations into OOS results and environmental monitoring trends.
• Drive continuous improvement through SOPs and change controls.

Skills

People management

Lab management

Project governance

Budgets & planning

Education

BSc or higher in Microbiology

Job description

Woodstock Recruitment Limited is seeking a Microbiology Manager for a leading UK manufacturing client specializing in homecare and personal care products. You will lead two accredited microbiology laboratories (8 technicians) and be responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of testing services.

You will mentor staff, manage budgets, maintain accreditation, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring safety and quality across all microbiology activities.