At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic lab team, ensuring quality and safety in food production.
- Company: Join Müller, a leader in the food industry with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving continuous improvement in a hands-on leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in a lab environment and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40306 - 49262 £ per year.
Position: Laboratory Team Leader
Location
Skelmersdale
Contract Type
Full Time, Permanent, Monday - Friday
The Opportunity
We are looking for a proactive and people-focused
Laboratory Team Leader to lead our laboratory team and drive excellence in quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Technical Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, ensuring robust quality management systems are maintained and that safe, legal, and authentic products are consistently delivered.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will coach, develop, and inspire a team of Laboratory Technicians and Senior Quality Analysts while providing technical expertise in microbiology and chemical analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & People Development
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 5-10 laboratory colleagues.
- Act as a coach and mentor, supporting both individual and team development.
- Drive performance management processes, including objective setting, reviews, and development planning.
- Create clear purpose and direction aligned to site and business objectives.
- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Laboratory Management
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the laboratory to ensure efficient delivery of testing and quality requirements.
- Ensure management systems are effective and support the production of safe, saleable products.
- Maintain compliance with quality, food safety, and regulatory standards.
- Manage laboratory budgets and resources effectively.
- Support and verify operational quality control processes across the site.
- Technical Expertise
- Provide specialist expertise in chemical and microbiological analysis.
- Support the investigation and resolution of quality issues through effective root cause analysis.
- Facilitate advanced problem-solving activities using recognised methodologies.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve quality performance and business effectiveness.
- Continuous Improvement
- Lead and deliver continuous improvement initiatives across the laboratory and wider site.
- Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and improve processes.
- Encourage and develop a continuous improvement mindset within the team.
- Support team members in delivering improvement projects as part of their personal development.
- Drive achievement of OGSM and site quality objectives.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Apprenticeship qualification or equivalent experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, or technical environment.
- HACCP Level 3 qualification.
- Advanced knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
- Previous experience leading, coaching, or developing a team.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Proven ability to solve complex problems and facilitate improvements.
- Experience working within quality management systems and food safety environments.
Desirable
- A3/A0 problem-solving methodology experience.
- Food manufacturing or FMCG experience.
- Experience managing laboratory budgets and resources.
- Continuous improvement experience with demonstrable results.
- Key Skills & Behaviours
- Inspiring and inclusive leadership style.
- Strong coaching and mentoring capability.
- Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
- Results-driven with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical and investigative skills.
At Müller, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage people to apply even if they don’t meet every requirement listed.
If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know - we’re happy to support you.
- #Hiring
- You can find out more about Müller and what it’s like to work for us by clicking here
- Careers at Müller UK & Ireland
Laboratory Team Leader in Skelmersdale employer: Müller
Müller is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Customer Supply Chain Executive, you'll benefit from a flexible working location across the UK, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team culture. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of delivering outstanding service and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Team Leader in Skelmersdale
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Müller.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Müller!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Müller, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Müller, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Team Leader in Skelmersdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Müller, 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!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Müller.
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 Müller. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Müller. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Müller
✨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.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
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.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
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!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
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 Müller’s mission.
