Laboratory Manager

Location: TewkesburySalary: Competitive salary + benefitsHours: 40 hours per week, Monday FridayJob Type: Permanent, Full-timeAre you an experienced laboratory professional with a strong background in food safety, microbiology and quality management?We're looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the laboratory function for a well-established food manufacturing business based in Tewkesbury.This is a key management position, responsible for ensuring product safety, quality and regulatory compliance, whilst leading and developing a small laboratory team.The RoleReporting into the Technical Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day management and development of the laboratory function.Your responsibilities will include:Leading and coordinating the laboratory teamManaging testing and sampling schedules for raw materials, in-process materials and finished productsEnsuring testing is completed accurately and in line with required methodsMaintaining high standards of food safety, quality and complianceSupporting site accreditation audits and maintaining audit readinessWorking with BRCGS, HACCP and Food Safety Management SystemsManaging laboratory equipment, including calibration, servicing, maintenance and installationsCoordinating external laboratory testing and analysing resultsManaging non-conforming product reports and investigating failuresMaintaining laboratory hygiene, safety and documentation standardsDeveloping and improving laboratory procedures and testing regimesTroubleshooting technical and operational issuesIdentifying opportunities to improve testing processes and equipmentManaging, training and mentoring laboratory personnelDriving sensory testing panel trainingMonitoring and reporting technical and employee performanceCoordinating laboratory KPIs and reporting findings to senior managementEnsuring compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, Food Safety and HACCP requirementsAbout YouWe're looking for an experienced laboratory professional who can combine technical knowledge with strong people-management skills.You'll ideally have:Previous experience working within a laboratory environmentExperience within Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or a related disciplineStrong knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety standardsA good understanding of HACCP principles and Food Safety Management SystemsKnowledge of microbiological safety and CCP validationExperience with root cause analysis and corrective actionsPrevious experience coordinating or managing a small teamExcellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skillsStrong attention to detail, particularly around reporting and documentationExperience writing laboratory procedures and policiesGood Microsoft Office and QMS platform skillsA proactive, confident and hands-on approachA strong understanding of food safety legislation and laboratory practicesKnowledge of the dairy industry would be advantageous.An HNC or degree level qualification in a science-related subject would also be desirable, alongside strong knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry.The OpportunityThis is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory professional looking to take ownership of a laboratory function within an established food manufacturing environment.You'll have the opportunity to lead a team, influence laboratory standards, improve processes and play a key role in maintaining food safety and quality across the site.TPBN1_UKTJ