Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Manager Job Purpose

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating laboratory operations across multiple manufacturing sites. This role ensures all finished products and in-process materials are tested, reviewed, and released in full compliance with agreed specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be responsible for the following activities:
• Oversee all finished product and in-process testing across Microbiology, Milk Intake, and Chemistry laboratories at multiple manufacturing locations.
• Ensure laboratory testing is carried out accurately, consistently, and within required timelines, with results communicated effectively to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage laboratory staffing, including scheduling, rosters, payroll inputs, and leave planning, while maintaining high standards of daily laboratory performance.
• Assess and maintain technician competency, ensuring all test methods and procedures are correctly followed.
• Lead training, development, and succession planning for laboratory staff, maintaining documented training plans to ensure full test coverage and business continuity.
• Manage laboratory data reporting, including review, monitoring, and trending of results to demonstrate compliance and proactively identify emerging issues.
• Ensure laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and customer portals are kept accurate and up to date.
• Conduct daily review of test results to optimise product release decisions and minimise unnecessary downgrades.
• Develop, review, and update internal laboratory procedures in line with best practice and evolving business needs.
• Maintain awareness of current and emerging analytical techniques and support the planning and implementation of laboratory investment where appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, workflow, and product flow.
• Coordinate the receipt, handling, and dispatch of samples to ensure adherence to sampling schedules.
• Track product downgrades and ensure issues are clearly communicated to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of a laboratory accreditation system to formally recognise laboratory competency.
• Manage laboratory consumables within budget, ensuring purchasing and documentation are completed using site systems in a timely manner.
• Facilitate regular laboratory team meetings to encourage communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is calibrated and proficiency testing is completed in accordance with defined schedules.
• Maintain appropriate laboratory environmental conditions to ensure accurate analysis and safeguard employee health and safety.
• Lead health and safety management within the laboratory, including risk assessments and identification of improvement opportunities.
• Lead or contribute to projects and attend relevant industry workshops aligned with business requirements.

Key Experience, Competencies & Qualifications

• Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in people management within a laboratory or quality-focused environment.
• Strong laboratory and quality management experience within the dairy, infant formula, cheese, or broader food manufacturing industry.
• Proven organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information.
• Strong planning, coordination, and project management capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing production demands.
• Comfortable working through structured systems and processes.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, prioritisation skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.