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- Tasks: Lead the microbiology department, ensuring high-quality service delivery and team performance.
- Company: Join a top analytical services organisation in Gloucestershire, known for excellence in microbiological analysis.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexible on-site requirements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while leading a passionate team and engaging with key clients.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree and experience in managing scientific teams and laboratory operations are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to drive innovation and continuous improvement in laboratory processes.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Head of Laboratory (Microbiology) to join a leading analytical services organisation based in Gloucestershire. Internally the role will be referred to as a Business Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the microbiology department, including service delivery, team leadership, financial management, operational improvement, and client satisfaction. This is a hybrid role with 2-3 days required on-site per week.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Operational & Strategic Leadership: Manage departmental operations to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of microbiological services to food and beverage clients. Translate strategic business objectives into actionable operational plans that drive efficiency and service excellence.
- Team & Performance Management: Lead a department of approximately 50 staff, including 6 direct reports (Section Managers). Drive team performance through coaching, training, and structured development plans.
- Client & Commercial Engagement: Act as a senior contact for key clients, ensuring that service levels are met or exceeded. Collaborate with commercial teams to support sales pipelines and identify new revenue opportunities within the microbiology service area.
- Financial & Resource Management: Take full accountability for the department’s financial performance, including budget setting, cost control, and revenue delivery. Oversee capital investment proposals, resource allocation, and lab efficiency improvements.
- Quality, Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Promote a quality-first culture, ensuring accurate, timely, and repeatable microbiological analysis. Lead initiatives to improve lab processes, reduce waste, and introduce new capabilities aligned to market needs.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS:
To be successful in your application for this Head of Laboratory (Microbiology) position, you will need: A degree in a relevant scientific discipline, experience managing scientific teams and laboratory operations within a microbiology or analytical services environment. Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and inspire multi-disciplinary teams in a technical environment. Broad knowledge of the analytical requirements, particularly within the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical sectors. Experience in client management, commercial delivery and managing large budgets within laboratory operations.
Head of Laboratory (Microbiology) employer: Hyper Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hyper Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Laboratory (Microbiology)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in managing scientific teams. When networking or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in a laboratory setting, particularly in microbiology.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and innovations in microbiological analysis, especially within the food and beverage sectors. This knowledge will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with professionals in the industry through LinkedIn or relevant forums. Building connections can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your financial management skills in detail. Be ready to explain how you've managed budgets and driven revenue in previous roles, as this is a key aspect of the Head of Laboratory position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Laboratory (Microbiology)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in microbiology and laboratory management. Emphasise your leadership skills, financial management experience, and any specific achievements in operational improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities of the role. Discuss your experience in managing scientific teams and how you have successfully driven performance and client satisfaction in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in a relevant scientific discipline and any additional qualifications or certifications that relate to microbiology or analytical services. This will help demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you have led teams in a technical environment. Mention specific instances where you have coached or developed team members, as well as how you have managed large budgets and improved operational efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hyper Recruitment Solutions
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Laboratory, you'll be leading a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to motivate and develop staff.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is a key part of this role, come ready to discuss your experience with budgeting and cost control. Prepare to share examples of how you've improved financial performance in previous roles, particularly in a laboratory setting.
✨Understand Client Engagement
Client satisfaction is crucial in this position. Be ready to talk about your experience in managing client relationships and how you've ensured service levels are met or exceeded. Think of specific instances where you turned client feedback into actionable improvements.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
This role requires a focus on quality and innovation. Prepare to discuss any initiatives you've led that improved lab processes or introduced new capabilities. Show your understanding of the importance of a quality-first culture in microbiological analysis.
