Laboratory Manager
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
Pro only
Salary
Pro sees the advertised pay
£48,200
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify only on a lower rate
Anyone can use the standard rate, and the pay is below it. If you are a new entrant or a PhD holder, you can use a lower rate, and the pay clears the new entrant rate. On the jobs board, Standard hides roles like this and the new entrant rate shows them as Possible at most.
This could also be SOC 3111 (Laboratory technicians). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2482 Quality assurance and regulatory professionals Most likely code | £33,800 Clears | £38,600 Misses | £43,400 Misses | £48,200 Misses |
1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing Also possible | £38,500 Misses | £44,000 Misses | £49,500 Misses | £55,000 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Laboratory Manager
Location: Tewkesbury Production Site | Hours: 40 hours, usually Monday - Friday (with flexibility for urgent operational needs) | Department: Technical | Reports to: Technical Manager
Join Team Cotteswold
Cotteswold Dairy is a long-established, family-owned business, proud to deliver quality dairy products with first-class service. We’re seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable Laboratory Manager to confidently lead our laboratory function, develop our people, and work closely with the Technical team to uphold the high quality and standards of our family dairy. You’ll ensure strict compliance with BRCGS certifications, HACCP protocols and food safety legislation while driving continuous improvement across testing, audit readiness, and documentation.
The Role – What You’ll Lead
- Own product safety, quality and compliance across all testing activities (raw materials, in-process, finished product, shelf life).
- Plan and oversee testing schedules, ensuring the correct methods are followed and results are recorded, monitored, analysed and trended.
- Manage and develop the Laboratory Technicians and Team Leader; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with clear communication on food safety and quality issues.
- Maintain audit readiness: prepare for and participate in site accreditation audits (BRCGS), supporting the Technical Manager.
- Ensure all laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, validated and serviced to schedule; manage new installs and verifications.
- Coordinate external laboratory analysis and provide Certificates of Conformance to customers; initiate and manage non-conformance
About You – Skills & Experience
- Confident people leader with excellent communication, problem-solving and coaching skills; experienced coordinating small teams in a lab environment.
- Strong working knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, CCP validation, microbiological safety and QMS platforms.
- Hands-on background in a laboratory function (ideally Food Science/Microbiology/Biology); meticulous attention to detail in reporting and SOP writing.
- Competent with Microsoft Office and comfortable with data trending/analysis.
Desirable
- HNC/Degree in a science-related subject with strong knowledge of Food Microbiology and Food Chemistry.
- Knowledge of the dairy industry and laboratory accreditation standards.
Hours & Location
40 hours per week, usually Monday–Friday, based at our Tewkesbury Production Site, with occasional out-of-hours presence for urgent operational needs.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary with growth and development opportunities
About Cotteswold Dairy
Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies, supporting local farmers and communities with the freshest products and first-class customer service. We succeed as Team Cotteswold—valuing each other and our customers—so our company remains the first preference for employees and customers alike, over the long term. Our purpose is to be at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Laboratory Manager (or ambitious Laboratory Team Leader) with a passion for food safety, BRCGS compliance and HACCP, we’d love to hear from you.
Laboratory Manager Food Safety BRCGS HACCP Quality Assurance Microbiology Dairy Audit Readiness QMS COSHH
About Cotteswold Dairy
Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family-run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.
Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury.
At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco-friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste-to-landfill operations.
More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values-driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high-quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Spa Dairy Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Quality assurance and regulatory professionals (SOC 2482) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~137k in sample- Middle half £39,520–66,040
- Median £49,504
- Going rate £48,200
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,800–43,400
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Spa Dairy LimitedAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Spa Dairy Limited holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2482 going rate of £48,200. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.