Microbiology Laboratory Manager

Short Intro and About the Job

The Microbiology Laboratory Manager is responsible for ensuring the consistent production of safe, compliant food products by leading all microbiological testing activities for the Liverpool plant.

This role safeguards product integrity and consumer safety by guaranteeing accurate, timely, and reliable laboratory results to support process control, product release, and regulatory compliance.

The position provides strategic leadership over microbiological risk management, laboratory quality systems (including ISO 17025 principles), method implementation, staff capability, digitalization, and continuous improvement.

The manager ensures full adherence to Danone’s global Analytical Excellence (AE) standards and local legal requirements, while maintaining a safe, contamination‑controlled laboratory environment.

This role is critical in a high‑risk, Specialized Nutrition manufacturing context, requiring strong technical expertise, sound risk‑based decision‑making, and leadership under pressure.

• Lead the implementation of testing methods in alignment with Global AE (KARMA) and ISO 17025 principles.
• Ensure a robust Quality Management System (QMS), including document control, method verification/validation, uncertainty of measurement, internal audits, and corrective actions.
• Maintain and update all laboratory procedures, SOPs, risk assessments, and quality records.
• Ensure readiness for regulatory and internal audits; maintain accreditation-level standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of quality systems in collaboration with QFS and AE.

• Oversee daily lab activities, ensure compliance with control plan, test protocols, and manage equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Manage finished product release according to predefined requirements.
• Ensure raw materials, materials, semi‑finished products and packaging are analyzed according to current control plans and released for production if they meet quality requirements.
• Interpret test results and signal quality non‑conformities related to raw materials, semi‑finished products, and finished products.
• Ensure analytical performance of the laboratory.
• Define and manage KPIs for laboratory performance management in line with customer (factory, …) requirements.
• Ensure proper layout and workflow to avoid risks of cross‑contamination.
• Lead lab continuous improvement (non‑conformities management, internal audits).
• Analyze, review and approve lab results, and communicate reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide data/calculate KPIs defined for Quality Control.
• Ensure the laboratory is developing and implementing digitalization and automation solutions.

• Lead, develop, coach, and evaluate the laboratory team, ensuring high levels of technical competence and engagement.
• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, workload distribution, and succession planning.
• Ensure all analysts (including those outside QFS performing testing) maintain up‑to‑date training records and competency assessments.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, continuous learning, and scientific excellence.

• Develop and manage the laboratory budget, including labor, consumables, external testing, and equipment.
• Optimize resource allocation while ensuring compliance and quality performance.
• Identify investment needs to support digitalization, automation, and method improvements.

• Support crisis management activities defined by the QFS Plant Quality Leader.
• Ensure rapid, clear, evidence‑based communication to stakeholders.

• Partner with Operations, QFS, Engineering, and other functions to ensure testing supports production needs.
• Manage the relationship and performance of external laboratories.
• Represent the laboratory in internal forums, IWS pillar activities, audits, and governance routines.
• Serve as owner of designated IWS Quality Pillar systems, contributing to loss elimination and standard execution.

Competencies:

• Strong leadership, team motivation, and interpersonal skills
• Strateg…