QC Supervisor in Heywood

We are seeking a Quality Control Supervisor to lead the day‑to‑day operation and performance of a Quality Control Laboratory within a regulated culture media manufacturing environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring microbiological testing, laboratory documentation, equipment control, retained samples and workflow planning are managed safely, accurately and efficiently to support timely product release and customer supply.

Working closely with Quality Assurance, Production, Planning, Technical Support and Operations, you will help maintain high standards of compliance, audit readiness, data integrity and continuous improvement.

• Supervise daily QC Laboratory operations, planning and prioritising workloads to ensure compliant and timely testing of finished products, raw materials, in‑process samples and other applicable samples.
• Lead, coach and develop QC laboratory team members, ensuring staff are trained, competent and authorised to perform assigned activities safely and accurately.
• Review and authorise QC test results, laboratory records and associated documentation within delegated authority, ensuring compliance with approved methods, SOPs, specifications and data integrity principles.
• Maintain laboratory compliance and audit readiness, supporting internal audits, external audits, customer audits and UKAS or accreditation assessments where applicable.
• Oversee laboratory equipment, consumables, reagents, media, reference cultures, retained samples and controlled documentation to ensure effective availability, control and suitability for use.
• Support investigations, CAPAs, deviations, non‑conformances, complaints, out‑of‑specification results and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, efficiency and turnaround times.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Food Science, Biological Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years' experience in a busy microbiology laboratory, ideally within manufacturing, food safety, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics or another regulated production environment.
• Practical experience of microbiological testing, culture media testing, aseptic technique and accurate laboratory documentation.
• Experience working within a Quality Management System, with a good understanding of GMP/GLP principles, data integrity and laboratory compliance expectations.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring or coordinating laboratory staff and laboratory workloads, with strong planning and organisational skills.
• Strong understanding of microbiology laboratory health and safety requirements, including COSHH, biological safety, risk assessments, PPE and safe systems of work.

What We Offer: A senior supervisory role with meaningful responsibility in a regulated scientific manufacturing environment. The opportunity to lead and develop a skilled QC laboratory team while contributing to product quality, customer supply and regulatory compliance. Cross‑functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Production, Planning, Technical Support, EHS and Operations teams. Involvement in audits, investigations, process improvements, method implementation and laboratory performance initiatives. A standard benefits package and a professional working environment focused on safety, quality, compliance and continuous improvement.