Group Food Safety & Microbiology Manager - THG Nutrition

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Food Safety & Microbiology Manager to oversee microbiological risk management across THG Nutrition's manufacturing operations. This role is critical in ensuring the safety and quality of our products by developing and implementing comprehensive microbiological strategies. The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical authority on microbiological issues, providing guidance and leadership to multiple manufacturing sites. They will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant food safety standards and regulations, managing microbiological testing programs, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the microbiological safety culture of a leading global nutrition company, working closely with cross-functional teams to embed microbiological best practices throughout the product lifecycle.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive microbiological strategy that aligns with the company's overall food safety and quality objectives across all manufacturing sites.
• Lead the relationship with contracted laboratories for microbiological testing, ensuring timely and accurate analysis of samples and data.
• Act as the final authority on microbiological risk assessments, incident investigations, and outbreak management, providing expert guidance to internal teams.
• Establish microbiological criteria, specifications, and standards for raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products to ensure safety and compliance.
• Standardize microbiological testing procedures and standards across suppliers and third-party manufacturers to maintain consistency and quality.
• Conduct microbiological risk assessments for new product development, process changes, and supplier audits, identifying potential hazards and mitigation strategies.
• Lead investigations into microbiological deviations, contamination events, or product recalls, coordinating root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs, including sampling plans, data analysis, and trend analysis to identify potential contamination sources.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to integrate microbiological risk management into all stages of product development and production.
• Stay current with global food safety standards, regulations, and scientific advancements related to microbiology, ensuring the company's practices remain compliant and best-in-class.
• Provide microbiological training and guidance to site personnel, promoting a culture of food safety awareness and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present reports on microbiological performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to senior management and external auditors.
• Support the development and validation of microbiological testing methods, including challenge testing and shelf-life studies.
• Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and certification processes related to food safety and microbiology.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects aimed at reducing microbiological risks and enhancing product safety.

Requirements

• A degree or higher qualification in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Extensive experience in microbiological risk management within the food manufacturing industry, ideally with a focus on nutrition or supplement products.
• Proven ability to operate at a senior technical level, influencing multiple manufacturing sites or business units.
• Deep understanding of microbiological hazards, environmental monitoring, pathogen control, shelf-life validation, and HACCP principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex microbiological data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical microbiological concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in developing microbiological standards, specifications, and testing protocols.
• Knowledge of relevant food safety regulations and standards, including those applicable to the UK and international markets.
• Ability to lead investigations, manage incidents, and implement corrective and preventive actions effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration skills, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Nice to have

• Experience with digital microbiological data management systems and tools.
• Knowledge of environmental hygiene practices, zoning, and hygienic design principles.
• Familiarity with predictive microbiology, challenge testing, and shelf-life validation methodologies.
• Experience working within regulated environments, including compliance with ITAR or similar standards.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in microbiological risk assessment frameworks and international food safety standards such as BRC, ISO, or FSMA.
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring programs, sampling plans, and trend analysis techniques.
• Skills in data analysis, interpretation of microbiological testing results, and reporting.
• Familiarity with microbiological testing methods, including culture techniques, PCR, and rapid testing technologies.
• Ability to develop and deliver microbiological training programs to site personnel.

Practical notes

• This role is based at our headquarters in Manchester, UK.
• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not specified.
• The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, enhanced leave policies, and opportunities for professional development.
• The company values a proactive approach to food safety and encourages continuous learning and improvement.
• Applications will be reviewed within 14 days, and successful candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• The role involves working on-site at the Manchester location; remote work options are not specified.