QC Manager

Our biotech client has an exciting opportunity for an experienced QC Manager to join the team. You will oversee the management of the QC laboratory, ensuring adherence to laboratory protocols and the accuracy of all product analyses. A deep understanding of scientific methodologies, such as bacterial and yeast enumeration, titration, and PCR techniques, is essential. Main Purpose of the Role: To ensure all products analysed in the QC Laboratory meet safety, quality, and legal standards. This includes conducting proactive investigations to identify microbial strains and contaminants and supporting the operations team by monitoring fermentation processes during lactic acid bacteria production. You will leverage technical knowledge of the action modes of feed and forage additives to assess the impact of QC failures through the non-conforming products process, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions as needed. Principal Accountabilities: 1. Product Quality and Compliance: * Quality Assurance and Compliance: Perform QC analysis to ensure raw materials and finished products meet required standards, supporting timely product release. * Team Leadership: Manage and develop the QC team, promoting a high-performance environment through mentoring and training. * Method Development: Continuously review and develop methodologies to ensure compliance with international standards and maintain high-quality outputs. * Laboratory Quality Management: Oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System to support all QC activities. 1. Principal Responsibilities: * Oversee QC testing to ensure raw materials and products comply with agreed safety and quality specifications. * Manage the QC department, including budgeting and cost control. * Provide Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for all tested finished goods. * Investigate non-conforming products and manage dispositions within the IFS system. * Apply technical knowledge to conduct product complaint investigations and implement corrective actions. * Implement new laboratory methodologies to support evolving business needs. * Use cultivation and PCR-based methods to analyze microbial populations, identifying and typing strains as needed. * Monitor fermentation contamination levels and collaborate with operations to maintain quality standards. * Analyze stability data and report trends or issues for further investigation. * Provide training to laboratory staff, ensuring adherence to scientific and regulatory standards. * Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and maintain up-to-date lab documentation. * Promote health and safety best practices across the laboratory team. * Qualifications/Experience: * Essential: * Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or a related field. * Ability to implement new scientific methodologies. * Practical experience in microbial culture cultivation and PCR-based identification. * Strong data analysis skills using Microsoft Excel. * Proven management experience with a track record of building high-performing teams. * Desirable: * PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline. * Experience with lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. * Hands-on experience in a QC laboratory setting. This role offers the chance to drive quality standards in a fast-paced laboratory environment while playing a key role in maintaining product safety and compliance. £37k - £40k 40 hours week Mon - Friday Perm