Laboratory Manager at Kempston Recruitment

• Our client, a well-established manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Laboratory Manager to lead and oversee all laboratory operations, ensuring product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance across the business. This is an excellent opportunity for a quality-focused professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for maintaining the highest food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of Laboratory Analysts and Concentrate Controllers.
• Ensure laboratory testing is conducted accurately, efficiently, and according to established procedures and schedules.
• Oversee chemical and microbiological analyses, ensuring product quality and food safety standards are consistently met.
• Conduct staff training, competency assessments, and performance management.
• Manage outsourced laboratory testing and customer sample submissions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and laboratory best practices.
• Oversee the servicing, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instruments. 
• Monitor regulatory requirements and industry developments to maintain compliance with legal and quality standards. 
• Manage laboratory administration, quality records, stock control, budgets, and procurement of laboratory supplies. 
• Investigate and resolve quality deviations, non-conformances, and out-of-specification results. 

Minimum Requirements

• National Senior Certificate (Matric). 
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. A Master's Degree will be advantageous. 
• Minimum 3 years' supervisory or management experience within a laboratory environment. 
• Experience in food safety and quality management within a manufacturing environment.
• FMCG industry experience is essential. 
• Strong knowledge of chemistry and microbiological testing methods.
• Understanding of food safety standards and systems, including HACCP, GMP, GLP, and BRC standards. 
• Knowledge of ISO 17025:2017 and internal auditing practices.
• Strong people management, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Quality and food safety focus
• Attention to detail
• Regulatory compliance
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Continuous improvement mindset