Team Leader Food

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data‑driven insights to build a healthier future.

Are you an experienced laboratory professional ready to take the next step into leadership? We are looking for a motivated and organised Team Leader for our Food Laboratory to guide and support a busy laboratory team, ensuring high‑quality results are delivered safely, accurately and on time. This role is ideal for someone with strong microbiology expertise, a commitment to quality, and a passion for developing people and processes within a regulated laboratory environment.

Days Per Week: 4 on 4 off (9am to 9pm)

Basis: Permanent and Full Time

Annual Salary: £28,237 per annum

Hiring Manager: Ranjit Palahe and Anna Momot

• Organise and manage team workloads to ensure business targets and client deadlines are achieved.
• Monitor laboratory systems to ensure all tests and processes are completed within agreed turnaround times.
• Oversee registration review for all samples, ensuring appropriate tests, methods, media and dilutions are selected with guidance where required.
• Organise and monitor routine Quality Management (QM) tasks.
• Ensure retests or additional testing on retained samples are set up within required time frames.
• Communicate any delays in turnaround times to laboratory management and/or clients as appropriate.
• Work closely with management to identify opportunities for new or improved equipment and processes.
• Support laboratory management with results approval and issuing out‑of‑specification reports.
• Monitor timekeeping, absence and behaviour within the team, escalating concerns where necessary.
• Review training levels and records to ensure adequate resourcing and flexibility, providing training and coaching as required.
• Ensure all work complies with HSE, Quality, Regulatory and Accreditation requirements, including internal ALS policies and procedures.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture, reporting incidents and near misses and addressing unsafe practices promptly.

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Science, English and Mathematics.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiology analysis across a wide range of methods and procedures.
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work on your own initiative.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Sound understanding of Quality Assurance, with experience working to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to continual learning and the development of both self and team.
• Clear understanding of occupational health and safety requirements, including PPE compliance and incident reporting.

• Annual Leave commencing at 20 days
• Ability to Buy annual leave.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
• ‘Value Awards’ Recognition Awards
• Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.
• Learning/study support
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Car Parking on‑site

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

Please apply on‑line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.