Location: Kilkenny
We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead and oversee analytical testing operations within a food-focused laboratory environment. This role combines hands-on analytical expertise with strong people leadership and operational management. The successful candidate will bring a solid background in food testing, analytical methods, and quality systems, and will play a key role in ensuring accurate results, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the laboratory.
Lead, manage, and develop the laboratory team, ensuring high performance, strong engagement, and a culture of quality and safety.
Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including sample testing, scheduling, workload planning, and resource allocation.
Ensure analytical testing is performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with food industry regulations and quality standards (e.g., ISO, HACCP, GMP).
Provide technical oversight for analytical methods, including validation, verification, troubleshooting, and continuous optimization.
Review and approve analytical results, reports, and investigations, including Out of Specification (OOS) or non-conformance issues.
Ensure compliance with internal SOPs, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
Maintain laboratory equipment, including oversight of calibration, maintenance, and qualification activities.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance testing efficiency, data quality, and laboratory processes.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, R&D, and external stakeholders as required.
Manage laboratory inventory, consumables, and budgetary considerations.
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with laboratory health and safety requirements.
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Food Science, Analytical Science, or a related discipline.
Proven experience in a laboratory leadership or management role within the food industry.
Strong hands-on background in analytical testing and methods, ideally within food, beverage, or ingredient testing.
Demonstrated experience working within regulated environments and quality systems (e.g., ISO 17025, GMP, HACCP).
Strong people management and leadership skills, with experience training, mentoring, and developing laboratory staff.
Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Comfortable balancing hands-on technical involvement with strategic and operational responsibilities.
