Laboratory Manager

GMP Recruitment Agency Limited are proud to be partnered with the UK’s leading independent, family-owned business who specialise in food and drink distribution for wholesale customers, located in Tewkesbury. Laboratory Manager – Food Manufacturing
- Tewkesbury We are looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running and development of a busy laboratory within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Candidates must have previous experience working within a food laboratory environment. This could be within dairy, food manufacturing, food microbiology or a closely related food production setting. Unfortunately, candidates whose laboratory experience is solely outside the food industry will not be suitable for this position.

This is a hands-on management role where you will lead the laboratory team, oversee testing and sampling, maintain high food safety and quality standards, and work closely with the wider Technical and Production teams. We’re looking for someone who enjoys being involved, solving problems and developing people rather than simply managing from a distance. You’ll need to be comfortable working in a busy manufacturing environment where priorities can change and where accurate, timely laboratory results are essential to the operation.

What you'll be doing Lead and support the day-to-day running of the food laboratory, ensuring testing is completed accurately and on time. Manage, coach and develop the laboratory team, creating a positive and collaborative working environment. Coordinate sampling and testing of raw materials and finished products, including shelf-life testing. Oversee environmental and microbiological testing in line with agreed schedules and procedures.

Take ownership of the site's Environmental Monitoring Programme and sampling plan. Investigate microbiological and quality issues, including areas such as Listeria and Enterobacteriaceae , identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. Work closely with Technical, Quality and Production teams when product or laboratory issues arise. Raise and manage non-conforming product reports and provide clear guidance on product failures and required actions.

Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated and verified. Coordinate samples sent to external laboratories and ensure results are recorded, reviewed, trended and analysed. Prepare certificates of conformance and other laboratory documentation required by customers. Maintain accurate laboratory records, procedures and testing documentation. Ensure consistently high standards of laboratory hygiene, Health & Safety, COSHH and food safety. Support the Technical Manager with internal, customer and accreditation audits.

Help maintain compliance with BRCGS, HACCP and the site's Food Safety Management System . Manage laboratory staffing levels, rotas and shift coverage to ensure the operation is properly supported. Manage laboratory stock, purchasing and budget requirements. Review testing methods and procedures and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and reliability. Lead laboratory and product improvement projects. Coordinate laboratory KPIs and provide clear reports and updates to Technical and Senior Management.

Attend Quality Meetings and present laboratory results, trends, investigations and improvement actions. Oversee sensory testing and panel training, ensuring results are appropriately analysed and reported. Continue to develop laboratory procedures and improve the scientific and technical standards behind testing methods. What we're looking for Previous food laboratory experience is essential for this role. You should have:
Previous experience working within…