At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our lab team to ensure top-notch quality and safety in dairy products.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a family-owned business with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 30 days holiday, and health support.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in lab management and strong knowledge of food safety standards.
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 are 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 will ensure strict compliance with BRCGS certifications, HACCP protocols and food safety legislation while driving continuous improvement across testing, audit readiness, and documentation.
The Role
- 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
- 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.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Laboratory Manager (or ambitious Laboratory Team Leader) with a passion for food safety, BRCGS compliance and HACCP, we’d love to hear from you.
Laboratory Manager in Newtown employer: Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
Cotteswold Dairy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture in our state-of-the-art Tewkesbury warehouse. With competitive pay, including overtime rates, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, we prioritise the well-being of our team members while fostering a family-oriented environment that values hard work and dedication.
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We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager in Newtown
✨Join Food Science Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager in Newtown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Cotteswold Dairy Ltd. Make it personal and compelling!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
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Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
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Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
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Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Cotteswold Dairy Ltd’s mission.
