Technical Operations Manager

Laboratorio Tenomar; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our UK microbiological and cosmetic testing laboratory operations. You will act as a technical authority on-site, ensuring testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS ISO 17025 standards and safety legislation.

You will manage a team of analysts, oversee technical projects, and serve as the primary contact for client inquiries while driving continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline (Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related).
• Strong IT literacy and familiarity with QA/QMS tools.
• Experience in cosmetics testing including microbiological, chemical and physical testing, with CPSR knowledge.
• Proven track record in laboratory management or a senior technical role within the food or cosmetics industry.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure ISO 17025 compliance.
• Team Leadership - lead and mentor Technicians and Microbiologists with ongoing training and goal setting.
• Testing and Analysis - supervise microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations, ensuring accuracy and timely results.
• Auditing - lead readiness and respond to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - collaborate with Quality Team to maintain high standards and present KPI data.
• Proven ability to manage laboratory operations and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Team Leadership

Quality Management

Auditing

ISO 17025

Leadership

IT Literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Microbiology/Chemistry

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.