Laboratory Manager (Operations)

Salary: £35,000-£40,000 per annum, negotiable

Reporting to the Head of Operations (Microbiology), the Laboratory Manager (Operations) shall oversee all areas of the laboratory which are responsible for the processing of sample testing. The Laboratory Manager (Operations) proactively supports and works closely with the Head of Operations, Technical Services Manager, Head of Microbiology and Compliance Manager to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the laboratory on a day-to-day basis, maximising sample throughput in the most cost-effective manner, whilst observing and adhering to UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and RSA requirements.

The Laboratory Manager (Operations) shall hold an appropriate technical qualification and/or have relevant experience. They shall be experienced in leadership and have working experience of quality management systems and procedures. They should have working knowledge of the technical aspects of food and water microbiology.

Key areas of responsibility are:

• Organisation of all staff relevant to the day to testing activities.
• Liaising with customers, internal auditors, and external auditors.
• To prepare for and participate in UKAS and RSA audits.
• To ensure that consumables, media, and stock levels are maintained.
• Ensure maintenance of staff training systems and records.
• Organise safe use and calibrations of equipment.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Monitor KPIs and suggest or implement actions resulting.

A general description of duties is as follows:

• With support from technical and compliance teams, to ensure maintenance of ‘good laboratory practice’ and that testing is conducted in accordance with the One Scientific Ltd methods and procedures complying with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the RSA retailer requirements correctly, accurately and safely.
• To monitor and support activities in main laboratory, subbing and streaking, and sample registration, plate reading and approvals teams and to assist with other areas of the microbiological laboratory when required.
• To ensure that all functions are communicating and co-ordinating with each other to provide a seamless process.
• To monitor and ensure all samples are handled and processed in the correct manner documented in the One Scientific Ltd Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• To ensure that any non-conforming records (where the required criteria or tolerances are not met) are immediately referred to the Technical or Compliance Manager.
• To ensure that records of the qualifications, technical competence, and experience of laboratory staff are maintained (including following internal training and/or external assessment) The role has the authority to ‘sign off’ training records of competent staff.
• To identify training needs of staff as applicable and to arrange and undertake staff appraisals.
• Ensuring the overall cleanliness of the laboratory.
• To maintain the utmost confidentiality in respect of customer testing and reports.
• To administer and process clocking records and queries and provide this to payroll each month.

Laboratory Records and Reports

• To ensure the maintenance of accurate laboratory records, to include daily, weekly or monthly proformas.
• To promptly provide accurate KPI data from each area of responsibility to the Head of Operations (Microbiology) and to take action where the data indicates it is needed.

Health and Safety

• To wear the appropriate protective clothing and equipment when in the laboratory.
• To monitor and ensure all safety, hygiene and health and safety requirements are adhered to within the laboratory.
• To monitor and organise the cleaning schedule to ensure that the laboratory is kept clean and tidy.
• To report any Health and Safety issues raised to the Health and Safety Representatives.
• The above description is not exhaustive. Other duties may be required to ensure the efficient running of the laboratory. Such duties will be at the request of management.

How to apply: CV and cover letter

Accessibility: The Park and Ride (Bristol A4 Portway) stops at the end of our road, so we are easily accessible by bus from the city centre. By train there is a small branch line from Temple Meads Station which stops at Shirehampton, approx. 0.5 miles from us. Free car parking in the vicinity, and bicycle lock up points on site.