Technical Operations Manager

Southern Microbiological Services Ltd; Wellington (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company in the United States seeks an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetic testing laboratory operations, ensuring on-site technical authority and adherence to QA standards.

You will manage a team of analysts, oversee testing methodologies, and drive projects while maintaining ISO 17025 compliance and safety regulations. The role requires strong leadership, project management, and client liaison skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related discipline.
• Proven leadership experience in a laboratory setting.
• Strong understanding of ISO 17025 and safety requirements.
• Experience with quality systems, audits, and KPI reporting.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee QMS ensuring ISO 17025 alignment.
• Team Leadership - mentor technicians and scientists, drive training and goals.
• Testing and Analysis - supervise microbiological testing for food and cosmetics.
• Auditing - readiness and responses to third‑party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - partner with Quality Team to maintain high standards and KPI reporting.

Skills

Leadership experience

ISO 17025 knowledge

Quality management

Auditing

Laboratory management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry

Job description

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.