Microbiology Manager

Manpower is currently looking for a Microbiology Manager to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Magnum, Carte d'O’r, Cornetto, and Walls, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment. The position is based at our client’s Research & Development facility, at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car. This is a full-time temporary role, Maternity Cover for 12 months requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £52,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience. The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Ensuring that The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) products are safe to consume is of paramount importance for the business. The Global Scientific Affairs function, which is part of RD&I, brings together Food Safety, Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition expertise to ensure that TMICC products are safe‑by‑design and compliant with relevant regulations & nutrition requirements. One of such functions is the Global RD&I Microbiology team. Global RD&I Microbiology is an agile team of enthusiastic world‑class scientists who deliver business relevant microbiological solutions underpinning brand innovation programmes, based on scientific and technological capabilities across RD&I and Supply Chain (SC).

Main Responsibilities

• Act as microbiology first point of contact in the provision of microbiological expertise for R&D product developers, quality and supply chain support.
• Ensure end-to-end quality in microbiology science‑based support, including (statistical) data analysis and visualization, interpretation & presentation, and reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Lead microbiological risk assessments to establish the basis for microbiological safety & stability of new product and process designs.
• Identify and adapt new methodologies/process/procedures enabling continuous future fit microbiological data science.
• Stay up to date on novel insights and solutions in the area of food preservation systems (e.g. hurdle technology, natural antimicrobials, etc.).
• Line management and mentoring of microbiology team members.
• Provide technical expertise in the design of microbiological experiments for innovation support and ensure robustness of the data.
• Lead technical input for relevant good manufacturing documents and training materials to ensure maintenance of product & process design knowledge.

All About You

• Ideally MSc or higher in relevant subject (e.g. Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Science & Technology - with focus on microbiology).
• Proven experience (>3 years) in applied/industry microbiology roles in the food sector, including leading projects and managing teams.
• Good influencing and communication skills (fluent English written and verbal); ability to convince and defend own agenda in front of internal and external stakeholders (e.g. R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, 3rd parties, co‑packers).
• Ability to use technical judgment to lead team activities and program direction.
• Team player with flexible 'we can' attitude, yet, ability to work agile and independently.

Colworth Science Park Working Environment

• 9 miles from Bedford
• 18 miles from M1
• Modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building
• Large green outdoor spaces
• Shuttle bus is provided from Bedfordshire area to Site.