Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury

GMP Recruitment Agency Limited are proud to be partnered with the UK’s leading independent, family-owned business who specialise in food and drink distribution for wholesale customers, located in Tewkesbury.

We are looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running and development of a busy laboratory within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Candidates must have previous experience working within a food laboratory environment. This could be within dairy, food manufacturing, food microbiology or a closely related food production setting. Unfortunately, candidates whose laboratory experience is solely outside the food industry will not be suitable for this position.

This is a hands-on management role where you will lead the laboratory team, oversee testing and sampling, maintain high food safety and quality standards, and work closely with the wider Technical and Production teams. We’re looking for someone who enjoys being involved, solving problems and developing people rather than simply managing from a distance. You’ll need to be comfortable working in a busy manufacturing environment where priorities can change and where accurate, timely laboratory results are essential to the operation.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and support the day-to-day running of the food laboratory, ensuring testing is completed accurately and on time.
• Manage, coach and develop the laboratory team, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Coordinate sampling and testing of raw materials and finished products, including shelf-life testing.
• Oversee environmental and microbiological testing in line with agreed schedules and procedures.
• Take ownership of the site's Environmental Monitoring Programme and sampling plan.
• Investigate microbiological and quality issues, including areas such as Listeria and Enterobacteriaceae, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Work closely with Technical, Quality and Production teams when product or laboratory issues arise.
• Raise and manage non-conforming product reports and provide clear guidance on product failures and required actions.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated and verified.
• Coordinate samples sent to external laboratories and ensure results are recorded, reviewed, trended and analysed.
• Prepare certificates of conformance and other laboratory documentation required by customers.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, procedures and testing documentation.
• Ensure consistently high standards of laboratory hygiene, Health & Safety, COSHH and food safety.
• Support the Technical Manager with internal, customer and accreditation audits.
• Help maintain compliance with BRCGS, HACCP and the site's Food Safety Management System.
• Manage laboratory staffing levels, rotas and shift coverage to ensure the operation is properly supported.
• Manage laboratory stock, purchasing and budget requirements.
• Review testing methods and procedures and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and reliability.
• Lead laboratory and product improvement projects.
• Coordinate laboratory KPIs and provide clear reports and updates to Technical and Senior Management.
• Attend Quality Meetings and present laboratory results, trends, investigations and improvement actions.
• Oversee sensory testing and panel training, ensuring results are appropriately analysed and reported.
• Continue to develop laboratory procedures and improve the scientific and technical standards behind testing methods.

What we're looking for:

• Previous food laboratory experience is essential for this role.
• You should have previous experience working within a food manufacturing laboratory, food microbiology laboratory or similar food-based laboratory environment.
• Experience supervising, leading or managing laboratory staff.
• A good understanding of food microbiology and food safety.
• Knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety standards and HACCP principles.
• Understanding of Food Safety Management Systems and CCP validation.
• Experience investigating quality or microbiological failures.
• Good knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions.
• Strong attention to detail and confidence working with laboratory data and reports.
• The ability to write and maintain laboratory procedures, policies and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach and the confidence to make decisions when issues arise.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using QMS systems.

It would be advantageous if you have:

• An HNC, degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology and/or food chemistry.
• Previous experience within the dairy industry.
• Experience supporting BRCGS or similar food manufacturing audits.

The person:

This role would suit someone who combines strong technical laboratory knowledge with good people-management skills. You'll need to be approachable, organised and confident communicating with everyone from Laboratory Technicians through to Production, Technical and Senior Management. Most importantly, you must understand the demands of working within a food laboratory and food manufacturing environment, where product safety, microbiological standards, accuracy and quick decision-making are critical. If you have a strong food laboratory background and you're looking for an opportunity where you can lead a team, improve processes and have a genuine impact on food safety and product quality, we'd be keen to hear from you.

GMP Recruitment Agency Limited are recruiting for this role on behalf of their client and are acting as an Employment Agency.