At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage laboratory operations and ensure quality control of dairy products.
- Company: Join a family-owned business with a strong commitment to quality and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and established company.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values quality and innovation in dairy production.
- Qualifications: Experience in laboratory management and a passion for quality assurance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Role
Laboratory Manager – Cotteswold Dairy (Tewkesbury)
Laboratory Manager
Location: Tewkesbury Production Site | Hours: 40 hours, usually Monday - Friday (with flexibility for urgent operational needs) | Department:Technical | Reports to: Technical Manager
Join Team Cotteswold
Cotteswold Dairy is a long-established, family-owned business, proud to deliver quality dairy products with first-class service. We’re seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable Laboratory Manager to confidently lead our laboratory function, develop our people, and work closely with the Technical team to uphold the high quality and standards of our family dairy. You’ll ensure strict compliance with BRCGS certifications, HACCP protocols and food safety legislation while driving continuous improvement across testing, audit readiness, and documentation.
The Role – What You’ll Lead
- Own product safety, quality and compliance across all testing activities (raw materials, in-process, finished product, shelf life).
- Plan and oversee testing schedules, ensuring the correct methods are followed and results are recorded, monitored, analysed and trended.
- Manage and develop the Laboratory Technicians and Team Leader; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with clear communication on food safety and quality issues.
- Maintain audit readiness: prepare for and participate in site accreditation audits (BRCGS), supporting the Technical Manager.
- Ensure all laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, validated and serviced to schedule; manage new installs and verifications.
- Coordinate external laboratory analysis and provide Certificates of Conformance to customers; initiate and manage non-conformance investigations with Technical and Production.
- Champion HACCP, Food Safety Management Systems, and robust laboratory procedures; oversee the Laboratory Manual and testing regimes in line with legislation and COSHH.
- Drive KPI reporting, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement of testing procedures and documentation.
- Lead sensory panel training and uphold hygiene, housekeeping, and safety standards.
About You – Skills & Experience
- Confident people leader with excellent communication, problem-solving and coaching skills; experienced coordinating small teams in a lab environment.
- Strong working knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, CCP validation, microbiological safety and QMS platforms.
- Hands‑on background in a laboratory function (ideally Food Science/Microbiology/Biology); meticulous attention to detail in reporting and SOP writing.
- Competent with Microsoft Office and comfortable with data trending/analysis.
Desirable
- HNC/Degree in a science-related subject with strong knowledge of Food Microbiology and Food Chemistry.
- Knowledge of the dairy industry and laboratory accreditation standards.
Hours & Location
40 hours per week, usually Monday–Friday, based at our Tewkesbury Production Site, with occasional out-of-hours presence for urgent operational needs.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary with growth and development opportunities
- 30 days’ holiday (rising after 3 years’ service)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted products & doorstep delivery
- Enhanced pension via Salary Exchange
- Health & wellbeing support through Simply Health (post-probation)
About Cotteswold Dairy
Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies, supporting local farmers and communities with the freshest products and first-class customer service. We succeed as Team Cotteswold—valuing each other and our customers—so our company remains the first preference for employees and customers alike, over the long term. Our purpose is to be at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.
About Us
About the Company
About Cotteswold Dairy
Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family-run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.
Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury.
At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco‑friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste‑to‑landfill operations.
More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values‑driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high‑quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.
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Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury employer: Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
Cotteswold Dairy is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values community and sustainability. As a family-owned business, we provide our employees with ongoing support, training, and the opportunity for career flexibility, all while enjoying competitive pay and uncapped commission. Join us in Shropshire to make a meaningful impact in local communities through our trusted doorstep delivery service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the dairy or laboratory field. 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 Cotteswold Dairy and its values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about quality dairy products and first-class service.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to laboratory management. We want to see how you handle challenges and lead a team, so be ready to share your experiences and solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Cotteswold family.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Laboratory Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in managing laboratory operations and working with dairy products to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the dairy industry and how your background makes you an ideal candidate for our team at Cotteswold Dairy.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Laboratory Manager, leadership is key. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We want to see how you can inspire and manage others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
✨Know Your Dairy
Familiarise yourself with Cotteswold Dairy's products and values. Understanding their commitment to quality and service will help you align your answers with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a laboratory team in the past. Highlight your leadership style, how you handle conflicts, and your approach to ensuring safety and compliance in the lab.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on relevant laboratory techniques and regulations that are specific to the dairy industry. Expect questions about quality control processes and how you would implement them in your role as Laboratory Manager.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future projects or challenges they face in the technical department. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
