Technical Operations Manager

Conycal; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UKAS-accredited laboratory operations in food and cosmetics testing. You will act as the on‑site technical authority, drive quality control, and manage a team of analysts while guiding client inquiries.

The role requires a strong track record in laboratory management or senior technical positions, solid ISO 17025 knowledge, and excellent leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field.
• Strong IT literacy and experience with laboratory documentation.
• Experience in cosmetics testing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Quality Management System in alignment with ISO 17025.
• Lead and mentor technicians and microbiologists on site.
• Manage microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations and turnaround times.
• Lead readiness for third‑party and regulatory audits.
• Collaborate with Quality Team to maintain KPI data and high standards.
• Demonstrate a proven track record in laboratory or senior technical roles in food/cosmetics.

Skills

Lab management

Leadership

Quality assurance

ISO 17025 knowledge

Client communication

Education

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

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

Wellington / Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company

Laboratory, R&D / Job Experience, Leadership Experience

Technical Operations Manager

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company - has been providing a comprehensive UKAS-accredited testing service for the food, drink and related industries since 1987. In 2024, we added UKAS Cosmetics and Personal Care testing service to our collection. We offer microbiological testing, tailored projects, on-site troubleshooting and training amongst other services.

A competitive salary will be offered.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Technical Operations Manager to help lead our food and cosmetic testing laboratory operations. You will be a technical authority on‑site, ensuring our testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS (ISO 17025) standards and safety legislation. You will help lead a dedicated team of analysts, manage technical projects and act as a primary point of contact for client enquiries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality and Compliance - help oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Team Leadership - help lead and mentor Technicians and Microbiologists ensuring ongoing training and goals are met.
• Testing and Analysis - oversee microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations, ensuring accuracy and turnaround times.
• Auditing - Lead readiness and manage responses to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - Work with the Quality Team to ensure continual high standards, producing and presenting KPI data.
• Proven track record in laboratory management or a senior technical role within the food or cosmetics industry
• Strong working 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 a related scientific discipline
• Strong IT literacy
• Experience in cosmetics including microbiological, chemical and physical testing, with knowledge of writing CPSRs.