Technical Operations Manager

Laboratoriomicro Bios; Wellington, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company in Wellington seeks an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead the food and cosmetic testing laboratory operations, ensure quality control and compliance with ISO 17025, and act as technical authority on-site.

You will manage analysts and technicians, oversee projects, coordinate audits, and maintain KPI-driven quality. A strong background in microbiology, chemistry or related science and hands-on leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading laboratory operations in food or cosmetics industries.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and safety requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience in cosmetics including microbiological, chemical and physical testing; CPSRs knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance - oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) for ISO 17025 compliance.
• Team Leadership - mentor Technicians and Microbiologists with training and goals.
• Testing and Analysis - supervise microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations; ensure turnaround times.
• Auditing - prepare for third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - work with Quality Team to maintain high standards and KPI data.
• Proven track record in laboratory management or senior technical role in food or cosmetics.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation and safety requirements.
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills.
• Experience in cosmetics testing and CPSRs writing.

Skills

Quality & Compliance

Team Leadership

Testing & Analysis

Auditing

Quality Management

ISO 17025

Safety Requirements

Leadership & Mentoring

Cosmetics Testing Knowledge

CPSRs knowledge

IT Literacy

Education

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

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.