Technical Operations Lead – Microbiology & Cosmetics Lab

Columbia Laboratories Inc; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UK microbiology laboratory operations. You will be the on‑site technical authority, ensuring testing methodologies and QC align with ISO 17025 and safety legislation while guiding a skilled team of analysts.

You will manage technical projects, oversee quality management, and act as primary client contact.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a laboratory team in food or cosmetics.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and QMS.
• Bachelor's in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Excellent leadership and IT literacy.
• Experience in cosmetics microbiological, chemical, and physical testing with CPSRs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA/QMS to ensure ISO 17025 compliance.
• Lead technicians and microbiologists, providing training and mentoring.
• Manage testing operations for food and cosmetics and ensure timely turnarounds.
• Lead audits readiness and manage responses to third‑party, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Collaborate with Quality Team to report KPI data.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Quality management

ISO 17025 knowledge

Team mentoring

Microbiology testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Microbiology

Tools

QMS software

CPSRs knowledge

IT literacy

Job description

Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UK microbiology laboratory operations. You will be the on‑site technical authority, ensuring testing methodologies and QC align with ISO 17025 and safety legislation while guiding a skilled team of analysts.

You will manage technical projects, oversee quality management, and act as primary client contact.