At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic food laboratory team to deliver high-quality results safely and accurately.
- Company: Join ALS, a global leader in scientific testing and data-driven insights.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days of annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong microbiology knowledge and proven organisational skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Team Leader - Food Laboratory role at ALS. At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data‑driven insights to build a healthier future. Are you an experienced laboratory professional ready to take the next step into leadership? We are looking for a motivated and organised Team Leader for our Food Laboratory to guide and support a busy laboratory team, ensuring high‑quality results are delivered safely, accurately and on time. This role is ideal for someone with strong microbiology expertise, a commitment to quality, and a passion for developing people and processes within a regulated laboratory environment.
About The Position
- Days Per Week: 4 on / 4 off (9 am to 9 pm)
- Basis: Permanent and Full Time
- Annual Salary: £28,237 per annum
- Hiring Manager: Ranjit Palahe and Anna Momot
- Closing Date: Monday 19th January 2026
The Day to Day
- Organise and manage team workloads to ensure business targets and client deadlines are achieved.
- Monitor laboratory systems to ensure all tests and processes are completed within agreed turnaround times.
- Oversee registration review for all samples, ensuring appropriate tests, methods, media and dilutions are selected with guidance where required.
- Organise and monitor routine Quality Management (QM) tasks.
- Ensure retests or additional testing on retained samples are set up within required timeframes.
- Communicate any delays in turnaround times to laboratory management and/or clients as appropriate.
- Work closely with management to identify opportunities for new or improved equipment and processes.
- Support laboratory management with results approval and issuing out‑of‑specification reports.
- Monitor time‑keeping, absence and behaviour within the team, escalating concerns where necessary.
- Review training levels and records to ensure adequate resourcing and flexibility, providing training and coaching as required.
- Ensure all work complies with HSE, Quality, Regulatory and Accreditation requirements, including internal ALS policies and procedures.
- Promote a strong health and safety culture, reporting incidents and near misses and addressing unsafe practices promptly.
The Essentials
- 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Science, English and Mathematics.
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiology analysis across a wide range of methods and procedures.
- Proven organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work on your own initiative.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Sound understanding of Quality Assurance, with experience working to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 standards.
- Demonstrated commitment to continual learning and the development of both self and team.
- Clear understanding of occupational health and safety requirements, including PPE compliance and incident reporting.
Our Benefits Include
- Annual Leave commencing at 25 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part‑time)
- Ability to buy annual leave.
- Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme.
- Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
- ‘Celebrating Success’ Recognition Awards.
- Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.
- Learning/study support.
- Group Personal Pension Plan.
- Car Parking on‑site.
Working at ALS
The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programmes and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.
Everyone Matters
ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.
Eligibility
To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain a valid working visa.
How To Apply
Please apply online and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.
Team Leader - Food Laboratory in Trowbridge employer: Als
Contact Detail:
Als Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Food Laboratory in Trowbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand ALS's values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your microbiology expertise and leadership skills, as these are key for the Team Leader role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ALS team and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Food Laboratory in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see your commitment to quality and your passion for developing people and processes in a laboratory setting.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in microbiology and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Team Leader role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Als
✨Know Your Microbiology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your microbiology knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific methods and procedures you've used in the lab, as well as how they relate to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also have practical experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a Team Leader position, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your ability to organise workloads, manage time effectively, and support team members. This will help the interviewers see you as a natural fit for the leadership aspect of the role.
✨Show Commitment to Quality
Be ready to discuss your understanding of quality assurance and how it applies to laboratory work. Mention any experience you have with ISO standards, and be prepared to explain how you ensure high-quality results in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, laboratory processes, and opportunities for development within ALS. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company, and it gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you too.