Microbiology Manager
Location: Glasgow, G20 0XA
Reports to: Senior Management
Team: Up to 6 Microbiology Analysts
About the Role
Curia Global is seeking a Microbiology Manager to join our Glasgow site at an exciting time of growth and investment, including the expansion of our facilities and the introduction of a second state-of-the-art production line. This is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping the strategic direction, scientific integrity, and operational performance of the Microbiology function.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team, driving a culture of GMP compliance, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement across laboratory and sterility suite operations. With full accountability for microbiological testing, data integrity, and regulatory standards, you will ensure all activities consistently meet internal and external expectations while supporting business objectives.
Working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and commercial teams, you will provide expert microbiological insight, support client engagement, and contribute to operational readiness as the site continues to scale. This role also involves oversight of investigations, CAPA, and performance trends, ensuring robust risk management and continuous enhancement of laboratory capability.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced microbiology leader to make a lasting impact within a collaborative, forward-thinking organisation committed to quality, innovation, and improving global health.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Departmental Direction
* Provide strategic oversight and long‑term vision for the Microbiology function, ensuring alignment with site objectives, regulatory expectations, and evolving business needs.
* Champion a culture of operational excellence, scientific rigour, and continuous improvement across all microbiology activities.
* Lead and influence cross‑functional initiatives that enhance laboratory capability, efficiency, and readiness for future growth.
People Leadership & Capability Development
* Lead, develop, and inspire a team of up to six Analysts, ensuring role clarity, performance expectations, and professional growth plans are in place and effectively managed.
* Establish high GMP/DP/SOP standards of accountability, engagement, and scientific competence through coaching, training, and performance management.
* Conduct appraisals, return‑to‑work meetings, and other people‑related processes in line with company policies and best practice.
* Design and hold training sessions to upskill and inspire the team.
* Hold lunch n learns to share Micro knowledge across the site.
Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Governance
* Hold overall accountability for GMP compliance within the Microbiology laboratory, ensuring all testing, documentation, and data integrity practices meet internal and external regulatory requirements.
* Provide governance over departmental SOPs, protocols, investigations, deviations, CAPA, and reports, ensuring documents are accurate, current, and fit for purpose.
* Escalate significant compliance or quality issues to Senior Management in a timely, transparent, and solutions‑oriented manner.
* Support regulatory inspections and client audits, acting as a key subject‑matter expert for Microbiology operations.
Operational Excellence & Workload Management
* Oversee scheduling, prioritisation, and delivery of all microbiological testing to ensure workload is effectively managed and results are delivered within agreed timelines.
* Verify, approve, and trend microbiological data, including environmental monitoring, incubator data, client reports, and stability studies, providing expert interpretation and insight.
* Ensure the laboratory environment, equipment, and systems operate at optimal levels, including authorisation of maintenance and calibration activities.
Business Partnership & Client Engagement
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Production, Quality, and Account Managers, to support customer needs, project scoping, and proposal development.
* Contribute technical expertise to client communications, ensuring confidence in laboratory capability and scientific outcomes.
* Deliver microbiology training to Production and other departments to enhance knowledge, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Risk Management, Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement
* Lead or oversee investigations into laboratory or system issues, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are robust, sustainable, and timely.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance test capability, reduce risk, and strengthen process robustness.
* Maintain oversight of laboratory housekeeping, ensuring a safe, compliant, and inspection‑ready environment at all times.