Laboratory Manager

Job Description: Laboratory Manager (Food & Analytical Testing)

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.