Laboratory Manager

Acu IT; Market Drayton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Market Drayton is looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave. This role involves leading laboratory activities across several sites, ensuring compliance, and providing technical support. Candidates must have proven lab management experience and ideally a background in food manufacturing. The position offers benefits including a company car and an annual bonus, making it an excellent opportunity for professionals in the field.

Benefits

Up to 10% annual bonus

Company car

Private medical care

4 x life assurance

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a laboratory, ideally within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of LIMs systems and SAP.
• Expertise in laboratory methods, testing, calibrations, and equipment servicing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage laboratory operations, driving technical excellence and compliance.
• Oversee laboratory methods, audits, and accreditation standards.
• Provide technical advice, training, and support to site laboratory teams.

Skills

Laboratory management

Knowledge of LIMS systems

Ability to lead change

Problem-solving skills

Education

Level 4 Food Hygiene

Level 4 HACCP

Tools

SAP

Job description

Who We Are

We're Mller UK & Ireland, a family‑run dairy business and we're experts at what we do. Dairy is a key part of a healthy and balanced diet and we're super proud to help meet the nutritional needs of millions of people, every, single, day. To do this, our business has been split into two areas: Mller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) and Mller Yogurt & Desserts (MYD).

Why Mller?

Milk flows through everything at Mller - from farm to factory to fridge. But the true impact comes from our people, in each and every corner of the business, working hard and as a team to put smiles on faces everywhere, making each day delicious for our shoppers.

As the UK's most popular dairy brand, we're always striving to make a real difference for our planet, our partners and our people, making sure we're helping to create a more sustainable dairy future. We're growing to keep up with the millions of people reaching for our branded and private label products on shelves everywhere. Join a culture full of pace that's bold and entrepreneurial, with opportunities that are yours for the taking - and even enjoy every benefit and bonus to sweeten the deal.

Laboratory Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Hours: Monday - Friday

Contract: 12-month fixed term

This role covers 7 MMI sites across the UK, regular travel will be required and base location will be determined by closest site to the post holder.

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead laboratory activities, ensuring best practice, compliance, and alignment across our UK operations. This role will have a requirement for regular travel across our sites: Glasgow, Manchester, Skelmersdale, Market Drayton, Droitwich, Severnside and Bridgwater. A company car will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage laboratory operations, driving technical excellence and compliance.
• Oversee laboratory methods, audits, and accreditation standards.
• Provide technical advice, training, and support to site laboratory teams.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, LIMS and third-party labs.
• Identify and deliver cost‑saving initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure laboratory safety performance meets company standards.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience managing a laboratory, ideally within food manufacturing.
• Strong Knowledge of LIMs systems and SAP.
• Expertise of laboratory methods, testing, calibrations, and equipment servicing.
• Ability to lead change, influence stakeholders, and foster collaboration.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Professional qualifications such as Level 4 Food Hygiene, Level 4 HACCP, or similar are desirable.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to make a real impact, working with a passionate team and contributing to high standards of quality and safety.

• Up to 10% annual bonus
• Company car
• Private medical care
• 4 x life assurance
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Contact Details

F.A.O. UK Recruitment, Mller UK & Ireland, Shrewsbury Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3SQ

Job Segment: Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture