Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury

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 Join Team Cotteswold Cotteswold Dairy is a long-established, family-owned business, proud to deliver quality dairy products with first-class service. Were 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. Youll 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 Youll 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