Technical Operations Manager

Symbiotic Research, Llc; 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 microbiology laboratory operations for food and cosmetic testing. You will ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and safety requirements while guiding a team of analysts and coordinating technical projects.

The role requires a strong technical background, proven leadership, and the ability to manage client inquiries and audits in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Experience leading laboratory teams and managing technical projects.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation and safety requirements.
• Experience in cosmetics testing.
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills.
• Strong IT literacy.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Team Leadership - lead and mentor technicians and microbiologists, ensuring 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.

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.