Technical Operations Manager

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

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.