Technical Operations Manager

Epl Bas; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; 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 technical authority on-site, ensuring testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS ISO 17025 standards and safety regulations, while guiding a team of analysts and managing technical projects.

The role requires strong leadership, lab management experience, and deep knowledge of ISO 17025.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline.
• Proven leadership and team-management experience.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and safety requirements.
• Experience in cosmetics and microbiological testing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) compliance with ISO 17025.
• Lead and mentor analysts and scientists to meet training and performance goals.
• Manage microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations and ensure turnaround times.
• Coordinate audits by third parties, customers and regulators and lead responses.
• Collaborate with Quality Team to maintain high standards and KPI reporting.
• Serve as primary technical contact for client inquiries and project execution.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Quality management

ISO 17025 knowledge

Team mentoring

Project management

Education

BSc in Food Science

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.