Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.
With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 6 locations on a cross border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
We are now seeking applications for the position Micro Lab Team Lead for our site in Bailieborough
We’re looking for a Microbiology Lab Team Lead to support the Micro Lab Supervisor in the day-to-day operations of our dynamic laboratory team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities

As Microbiology Lab Team Lead, you will:

• Assist in developing microbiological sampling plans and oversee testing across multiple sites (Bailieboro, Lough Egish, Artigarvan, and others).
• Investigate and trend microbiological results, including out-of-specification findings.
• Supervise, train, and mentor microbiology lab team members.
• Review, approve, and verify results from both internal and external laboratories.
• Manage and update the LIMS system as needed.
• Coordinate proficiency testing and source non-routine lab items.
• Maintain and schedule equipment calibration and servicing.
• Support the lab’s ISO17025 quality system, ensuring audit readiness.
• Stay current with new technologies, test methods, and materials.
• Assist with environmental monitoring and food safety investigations.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and health & safety regulations.
• Continuously develop your own skills through learning and development activities.
• Perform other duties as required in line with your role.

Qualifications & Skills

• A degree in Microbiology or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven experience in a microbiology lab environment, ideally within the food or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Familiarity with ISO17025 standards and LIMS systems is a plus.
• A proactive, detail-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 08/08/2025
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at 049 4364200 or email
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/08/2025
Reference ID: FI020

Please refer the Job description for details