At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a lab team to ensure top-notch quality in beverage production.
- Company: Join Refresco, the largest independent bottler of soft drinks and juices.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 10% annual bonus, 28 days holiday, and access to health support.
- Other info: Foster a positive team culture focused on safety and efficiency.
- Why this job: Shape quality systems and drive innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in quality food production or 3 years in a lab setting.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re Refresco – the world’s largest independent bottler of soft drinks and fruit juices, serving major brands and retailers across Europe and North America.
At our flagship Bridgwater site, we produce millions of litres of beverages each week, and we’re looking for a Lab Manager to lead our on-site laboratory to the highest industry standards.
This is not your average quality role.
It’s a unique opportunity to shape, influence, and drive quality systems and lab operations on a massive scale, while ensuring compliance, performance, and continuous improvement.
- Lab Manager
- Permanent
- Refresco - Bridgwater
- Monday – Friday 38 hours
Benefits
- 10% annual bonus
- An enhanced holiday allowance of 28 days plus bank holidays
- Purchase extra holiday (up to 3 days per year)
- Life assurance
- Access to a 24/7 virtual GP for you and your family
- Access to our brand new employee benefits platform offering discounts, cashback rewards, and access to more optional benefits
- Access to Grocery Aid – for free financial, personal, health and wellbeing support
The role
Managing a team of 10 quality analysts to support the factory’s testing requirements, ensuring the highest quality standards are met.
- Oversee the smooth running of daily lab operations, ensuring timely, compliant testing in line with Lab CRED (ISO17025-based) standards.
- Champion quality and continuous improvement by managing QMS activities (CAPAs, audits, NCs) and driving a strong quality culture.
- Lead equipment calibration, servicing, and validation methods while ensuring prompt repairs and minimal disruption.
- Manage the lab budget, procurement, and stock control to ensure full lab and factory support.
- Ensure all testing, documentation, and raw material checks meet regulatory and customer standards.
- Develop and maintain training plans, SOPs, risk assessments, and clear data reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
- Foster a positive, proactive team environment focused on safety, innovation, and efficiency.
About you
We’re looking for someone with at least two years of experience in a quality-focused food production role or three years in a laboratory environment.
You’ll bring a positive, can‑do attitude, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced setting.
Naturally curious and eager to learn, you’ll enjoy improving processes and exploring new ways of working.
You’ll also be someone who brings people together, builds strong team relationships, and lives the Refresco values in everything you do.
Ultimately, we encourage everyone to role model our core values of agility, responsibility, passion, excellence, and entrepreneurship as we believe these are what has made Refresco successful so far.
Refresco believes that equal opportunity for allis fundamental to our company's values and all our applicants can expect fairness and transparency in our recruitment process.
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Lab Manager in Bridgwater employer: Refresco Beverages US Inc.
Refresco is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from robust growth opportunities within the fast-paced FMCG sector, alongside competitive compensation and a collaborative team environment at the Bridgwater site, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Refresco Beverages US Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Manager in Bridgwater
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We think you need these skills to ace Lab Manager in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Refresco Beverages US Inc., 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!
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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 Refresco Beverages US Inc.. 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 Refresco Beverages US Inc.. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refresco Beverages US Inc.
✨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.
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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.
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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 Refresco Beverages US Inc.’s mission.
