At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a 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% bonus, 28 days holiday, and access to health support.
- Other info: Be part of a proactive team focused on safety and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape quality systems and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in quality management within the food industry.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Please make sure you read the following details carefully before making any applications.
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. xgikmsk
- 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 pr
Please click on the apply button to read the full job description
Lab Manager in Bridgwater employer: Refresco Drinks UK
Refresco UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages you to make a meaningful impact on product quality and operational excellence. Located in a fast-paced manufacturing setting, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working at the forefront of sustainability and engineering advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Manager in Bridgwater
✨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 Refresco Drinks UK.
✨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 Refresco Drinks UK!
✨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 Refresco Drinks UK, 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 Refresco Drinks UK, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
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 Drinks UK, 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 Refresco Drinks UK.
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 Drinks UK. 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 Drinks UK. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refresco Drinks UK
✨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 Refresco Drinks UK’s mission.
