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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product safety and quality in a dynamic laboratory environment.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a leading family-owned dairy committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 22 days holiday, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven community dedicated to high-quality dairy products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in lab management and strong knowledge of food safety standards.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Laboratory Manager – Cotteswold Dairy (Tewkesbury)
Location: Tewkesbury Production Site | Hours: 40 hours, usually Monday – Friday (with flexibility for urgent operational needs) | Department: Technical | Reports to: Technical Manager.
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, 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
- 22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (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)
- Private Medical Insurance (after qualifying service)
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.
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. 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.
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.
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Laboratory Manager employer: Cotteswold Dairy
Contact Detail:
Cotteswold Dairy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, especially those who know Cotteswold Dairy. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of BRCGS and HACCP. We want to see that you're not just familiar with these standards but that you can discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. Show us your passion for food safety!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Think about examples where you've successfully managed a team or improved lab processes. We love hearing about how you foster collaboration and drive performance in a lab setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining Team Cotteswold. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laboratory Manager role. Highlight your experience with food safety, BRCGS compliance, and any relevant lab management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about food safety and how your leadership style can foster a high-performance culture. Let us know what excites you about joining Team Cotteswold.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s improving testing procedures or leading successful audits, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, and microbiological safety. Familiarise yourself with the specific testing methods and compliance standards relevant to the dairy industry, as this will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Laboratory Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Think about times when you fostered collaboration or improved performance through effective communication.
✨Be Audit Ready
Since maintaining audit readiness is crucial, be prepared to discuss your experience with site accreditation audits. Highlight any specific instances where you contributed to successful audits or improved compliance processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've tackled challenges in a laboratory setting. Whether it's managing non-conformance investigations or driving continuous improvement, showcasing your problem-solving skills will set you apart.