At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a laboratory team ensuring food safety and quality compliance.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business in Tewkesbury.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and a chance to lead a dynamic team.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and influence in a vital industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a key management role.
- Qualifications: Experience in laboratory management and knowledge of food safety standards.
Location: Tewkesbury
Salary: Competitive salary + benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Are you an experienced laboratory professional with a strong background in food safety, microbiology and quality management? We're looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the laboratory function for a well-established food manufacturing business based in Tewkesbury. This is a key management position, responsible for ensuring product safety, quality and regulatory compliance, whilst leading and developing a small laboratory team.
The Role
Reporting into the Technical Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day management and development of the laboratory function. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and coordinating the laboratory team
- Managing testing and sampling schedules for raw materials, in-process materials and finished products
- Ensuring testing is completed accurately and in line with required methods
- Maintaining high standards of food safety, quality and compliance
- Supporting site accreditation audits and maintaining audit readiness
- Working with BRCGS, HACCP and Food Safety Management Systems
- Managing laboratory equipment, including calibration, servicing, maintenance and installations
- Coordinating external laboratory testing and analysing results
- Managing non-conforming product reports and investigating failures
- Maintaining laboratory hygiene, safety and documentation standards
- Developing and improving laboratory procedures and testing regimes
- Troubleshooting technical and operational issues
- Identifying opportunities to improve testing processes and equipment
- Managing, training and mentoring laboratory personnel
- Driving sensory testing panel training
- Monitoring and reporting technical and employee performance
- Coordinating laboratory KPIs and reporting findings to senior management
- Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, Food Safety and HACCP requirements
About You
We're looking for an experienced laboratory professional who can combine technical knowledge with strong people-management skills. You'll ideally have:
- Previous experience working within a laboratory environment
- Experience within Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or a related discipline
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety standards
- A good understanding of HACCP principles and Food Safety Management Systems
- Knowledge of microbiological safety and CCP validation
- Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Previous experience coordinating or managing a small team
- Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
- Strong attention to detail, particularly around reporting and documentation
- Experience writing laboratory procedures and policies
- Good Microsoft Office and QMS platform skills
- A proactive, confident and hands-on approach
- A strong understanding of food safety legislation and laboratory practices
Knowledge of the dairy industry would be advantageous. An HNC or degree level qualification in a science-related subject would also be desirable, alongside strong knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory professional looking to take ownership of a laboratory function within an established food manufacturing environment. You'll have the opportunity to lead a team, influence laboratory standards, improve processes and play a key role in maintaining food safety and quality across the site.
Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury employer: SourceCo Recruitment
SourceCo Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and a stable work pattern that promotes work-life balance. With a supportive team culture and well-equipped facilities in Evesham, employees have ample opportunities for career growth while contributing to the vital fresh produce delivery sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury
✨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 SourceCo Recruitment.
✨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 SourceCo Recruitment!
✨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 SourceCo Recruitment, 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 SourceCo Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Manager in Tewkesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at SourceCo Recruitment, 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 SourceCo Recruitment.
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 SourceCo Recruitment. 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 SourceCo Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at SourceCo Recruitment
✨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 SourceCo Recruitment’s mission.
