At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic laboratory team ensuring food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Established dairy production site in Tewkesbury with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days leave, professional growth, and health support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food safety and quality while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in laboratory management and knowledge of food safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 37500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and knowledgeable Laboratory Manager to lead the laboratory function at a well-established dairy production site in Tewkesbury. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing laboratory operations, developing the laboratory team and working closely with the Technical and Production teams to maintain the highest standards of food safety, product quality and regulatory compliance. You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation and laboratory procedures, while driving continuous improvement across testing, documentation, audits and quality systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of product safety, quality and compliance across laboratory testing activities, including raw materials, in-process, finished product and shelf-life testing.
- Plan and oversee laboratory testing schedules, ensuring appropriate methods are followed and results are accurately recorded, monitored, analysed and trended.
- Lead, manage and develop Laboratory Technicians and the Laboratory Team Leader, creating a collaborative and high-performing team.
- Maintain a high level of audit readiness and support BRCGS accreditation audits.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is appropriately maintained, calibrated, validated and serviced.
- Coordinate external laboratory analysis and provide Certificates of Conformance to customers where required.
- Lead and support non-conformance investigations, working closely with Technical and Production teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Champion HACCP, Food Safety Management Systems and laboratory procedures.
- Maintain the Laboratory Manual and ensure testing regimes comply with relevant legislation and COSHH requirements.
- Monitor laboratory KPIs and use data analysis and trending to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programmes.
- Drive continuous improvement across laboratory testing procedures, documentation and systems.
- Lead sensory panel training and ensure high standards of hygiene, housekeeping and laboratory safety are maintained.
About You
You will ideally have:
- Experience leading or coordinating a laboratory team.
- Excellent communication, leadership, coaching and problem-solving skills.
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety and HACCP.
- Knowledge of CCP validation, microbiological safety and quality management systems.
- Hands-on laboratory experience, ideally within Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or a related discipline.
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly in reporting, documentation and SOP writing.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and analysing/trending data.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Desirable Experience
- HNC, HND or degree in a science-related subject.
- Strong knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry.
- Experience within the dairy or food manufacturing industry.
- Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards.
Benefits
- Salary of £35,000 – £37,500 per annum
- 30 days' annual leave, increasing after 3 years' service
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted products and doorstep delivery
- Enhanced pension through Salary Exchange
- Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health following probation
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Laboratory Manager or an ambitious Laboratory Team Leader with experience in food safety, quality, BRCGS, HACCP and laboratory operations, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV to: Jill W
Laboratory Manager - dairy or food industry in London employer: RE Group
Join a well-established consultancy in Cheltenham that prioritises employee growth and development within the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality sector. With a collaborative work culture, excellent benefits including 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible working options, this role offers a supportive environment for you to thrive and advance your career. Embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager - dairy or food industry in London
✨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 RE Group.
✨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 RE Group!
✨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 RE Group, 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 RE Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager - dairy or food industry in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at RE Group, 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 RE Group.
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 RE Group. 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 RE Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at RE Group
✨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 RE Group’s mission.
