Technical Operations Lead - Food & Cosmetics Lab

VelaLabs GmbH; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - A Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UKAS-accredited laboratory operations for food and cosmetics. You will act as the on‑site technical authority, manage a team of analysts, and ensure testing methodologies meet UKAS ISO 17025 standards.

You will oversee quality management, audits, and KPI reporting while coordinating with clients and internal teams to ensure timely, accurate results and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Quality and compliance oversight of ISO 17025 QMS.
• Lead and mentor technicians and microbiologists to meet training and goals.
• Oversee microbiological testing operations with accuracy and timely turnaround.
• Lead readiness and manage responses to third‑party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Work with the Quality Team to ensure high standards and present KPI data.
• Proven track record in laboratory management or senior technical roles in food or cosmetics.
• Strong 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 related discipline.
• Strong IT literacy.
• Experience in cosmetics testing, including microbiological, chemical and physical testing, with CPSRs knowledge.

Job description

Southern Microbiological Services - A Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UKAS-accredited laboratory operations for food and cosmetics. You will act as the on‑site technical authority, manage a team of analysts, and ensure testing methodologies meet UKAS ISO 17025 standards.

You will oversee quality management, audits, and KPI reporting while coordinating with clients and internal teams to ensure timely, accurate results and continuous improvement.