Technical Operations Manager

Tentamus; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

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

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

Qualifications

• Quality Management System oversight under ISO 17025 standards.
• Experience in laboratory management or senior technical role.
• Strong IT literacy.
• Bachelor's degree in a related science field.
• Cosmetics testing knowledge including CPSRs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure ISO 17025 compliance.
• Team Leadership - lead and mentor Technicians and Microbiologists, with ongoing training and objectives.
• Testing and Analysis - oversee microbiological food and cosmetics testing operations, ensuring accuracy and timely results.
• Auditing - prepare for and respond to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - collaborate with the Quality Team to maintain high standards and KPI reporting.
• Proven track record in laboratory management or senior technical role; strong ISO 17025 and safety knowledge.

Skills

Quality & Compliance

Team Leadership

Testing & Analysis

Auditing

Quality Management

Laboratory Management

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.