Microbiology Team Leader
Posted 14 hours 20 minutes ago by ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd
Location: Sittingbourne, United Kingdom
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Annual Salary: £29,366 + £2,000 allowance
Schedule: 4 days on, 4 days off (9am 9pm)
Hiring Manager: Marcin Kruk
Closing Date: 28 May 2026
- Organise and manage daily team workloads to meet business targets and turnaround times.
- Monitor laboratory workflows and systems to ensure efficient testing within client timeframes.
- Oversee sample registration, ensuring appropriate tests, methods, media and dilutions are selected.
- Coordinate routine Quality Management activities and ensure completion within scheduled deadlines.
- Manage retests and additional testing on retained samples within required timescales.
- Communicate delays, issues or risks impacting turnaround times to management and clients where necessary.
- Support laboratory management with result approvals and out of specification reporting.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiencies and new equipment implementation.
- Monitor attendance, timekeeping, training and team performance, escalating concerns where appropriate.
- Maintain training records and ensure team competency supports operational flexibility and resource coverage.
- Deliver training, coaching and ongoing support to team members.
- Ensure all laboratory activities comply with HSE, Quality, Regulatory, Accreditation and internal company standards.
- Promote a positive safety culture by reporting incidents, near misses and unsafe practices, while supporting continuous safety improvement initiatives.
- Previous laboratory experience within a microbiology environment.
- Strong theoretical and practical understanding of microbiological analysis, methodologies and procedures.
- Excellent organisational and workload prioritisation skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative in a fast paced environment.
- Competent in Microsoft Office applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Science, English and Mathematics.
- Understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 quality standards and the importance of maintaining high quality analytical data.
- Strong awareness of laboratory health and safety requirements, including PPE compliance and safe working practices.
- Commitment to continuous learning, professional development and supporting team development.
- Annual Leave starting at 20 days (rising to 24).
- Option to buy additional annual leave.
- Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme.
- Salary Progression Scheme based on technical and behavioural competencies.
- 'Celebrating Success' Recognition Awards.
- Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub.
- Learning and study support.
- Group Personal Pension Plan.
- Car Parking on site.
To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or hold or be able to obtain a valid working visa.
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 welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.