Laboratory Manager

About Mller UK & Ireland

We're Mller UK & Ireland, a family‑run dairy business. Dairy is a key part of a healthy and balanced diet, and we're proud to help meet the nutritional needs of millions of people every day. Our business is split into two areas:
Mller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) and Mller Yogurt & Desserts (MYD). We process enough milk to make 66 billion cups of tea every year – plus milk, cream, butter, and milk drinks derived from over 1,000 farmers in Britain.

Hours: Monday – Friday

Contract: 12‑month fixed term

Location: Covers seven MMI sites across the UK. Base location will be the site nearest the post holder and regular travel will be required.

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. A company car will be provided.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture