Technical Operations Lead – Food & Cosmetic Lab

Precision Analysis North West Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company - invites an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead and optimize microbiological testing for food and cosmetics in a UKAS-accredited lab. You will be the on-site technical authority, ensuring ISO 17025 compliance, safety adherence, and proactive client interaction.

You will manage a team of analysts, drive quality improvements, and coordinate with QA to maintain KPI reporting and rapid project delivery in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline (Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry).
• Experience in cosmetics testing including CPSRs is beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation and safety requirements.
• Proven track record in laboratory management or senior technical roles.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) for ISO 17025 compliance.
• Team Leadership - mentor Technicians and Microbiologists and drive training.
• Testing and Analysis - oversee microbiological testing for food and cosmetics.
• Auditing - lead readiness and responses to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - collaborate with Quality Team to ensure KPI data is produced and presented.
• Technical authority on-site for testing methodologies and safety procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Management

Auditing

ISO 17025

Laboratory Management

CPSRs knowledge

IT literacy

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

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

Job description

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company - invites an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead and optimize microbiological testing for food and cosmetics in a UKAS-accredited lab. You will be the on-site technical authority, ensuring ISO 17025 compliance, safety adherence, and proactive client interaction.

You will manage a team of analysts, drive quality improvements, and coordinate with QA to maintain KPI reporting and rapid project delivery in a dynamic lab environment.