Technical Operations Manager

Tentamus Agriparadigma S.r.l.; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company, based in the UK, is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetics testing laboratory operations. You will act as a technical authority on-site, ensuring testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS standards and safety legislation while guiding a team of analysts.

You will oversee QC processes, lead audits, and manage client communications, ensuring on-time, accurate results and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field.
• Extensive experience in laboratory management or senior technical roles in food or cosmetics.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure ISO 17025 compliance.
• Team Leadership - mentor Technicians and Microbiologists, drive training and performance goals.
• Testing and Analysis - supervise microbiological testing for food and cosmetics, ensure accuracy and timely turnaround.
• Auditing - lead readiness and respond to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - collaborate with Quality Team to maintain KPI-driven quality standards.

Skills

Quality management

Team leadership

Auditing

Microbiology testing

ISO 17025

Laboratory management

Cosmetics testing

CPSRs knowledge

IT literacy

Safety regulations

Food science background

Education

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

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft 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.