Group Food Safety & Microbiology Manager - THG Nutrition

Job Title: Group Food Safety & Microbiology Manager

Reporting to: Head of Technical

Location: THG HQ, Icon 1, WA15 0AF 

About THG Nutrition

THG Nutrition is home to some of the best-loved and most trusted names in wellbeing and nutrition, including Myprotein, the world's largest online sports nutrition brand, its family of brands, Myvegan, Myvitamins & MP Activewear. We want to be the world's most empowering health movement, championing everyone to live healthier, more active lives. Our brands and people exist to break boundaries, to power and to empower those who want more. Everything we do is in-house, from manufacturing and new product development to content creation, e-commerce, marketing and logistics. This means we’re perfectly positioned to deliver to our vision and keep our place at the top of a fast-moving, global industry. It's an incredibly exciting time to join the team, and we’re always looking for talented people who share our vision and values to drive our Nutrition movement forward.

About the Role 

We are seeking a highly experienced Food Safety Microbiology Lead to act as the central technical authority for microbiological and food safety risk across THG Nutrition’s processes and global manufacturing network. 

This is a senior, non-laboratory role responsible for defining microbiological strategy, setting group-wide standards, and providing expert judgement on food safety risk. You will operate at a strategic and operational level, influencing site leadership, suppliers, and customers, and taking ownership of microbiological governance across multiple sites and product categories. 

The role requires a deep understanding of food microbiology in complex manufacturing environments, combined with the ability to make risk-based decisions at pace. 

Key Responsibilities 

Group Microbiological Strategy & Technical Authority 

• Own and define the group microbiological strategy across all manufacturing sites and product categories 

• Manage the requirements and relationship between THG Nutrition and contract laboratories used for testing 

• Act as the final escalation point and decision-maker for microbiological risk, deviations, and food safety incidents 

• Establish and maintain risk-based microbiological criteria, specifications, and testing strategies aligned to product and process risk 

• Provide expert input into shelf-life determination, challenge testing, and validation of control measures 

Governance, Standards & Compliance 

• Develop and implement harmonised microbiological standards across supplier base, internal sites and third-party manufacturers 

• Ensure alignment with BRCGS, retailer standards, and international regulatory requirements 

• Lead microbiological input into HACCP reviews, ensuring hazards are correctly identified, assessed, and controlled 

• Define and standardise environmental monitoring programmes (EMP) across the manufacturing network 

Risk Management & Incident Leadership 

• Lead microbiological risk assessments across raw materials, processes, and finished products 

• Take ownership of high-risk incidents, including pathogen detections, trend failures, and product safety concerns 

• Direct root cause analysis and corrective action plans for microbiological non-conformances 

• Provide clear, defensible technical justification for product disposition decisions 

Multi-Site & Supplier Oversight 

• Provide technical oversight and challenge to central teams, site technical teams and third-party manufacturers 

• Assess microbiological capability and controls within the supply base, influencing approval and ongoing compliance 

• Support due diligence activities, audits, and site reviews from a microbiological and food safety perspective 

• Drive consistency and best practice across a diverse, multi-site manufacturing network 

Data, Trending & Predictive Insight 

• Own the interpretation of microbiological data across the group, identifying emerging risks and systemic issues 

• Develop a more predictive, risk-based approach to microbiological monitoring and control 

• Define KPIs and reporting frameworks for microbiological performance at group level 

• Influence the adoption of digital systems and tools to enhance data visibility and decision making 

Cross-Functional Influence 

• Partner with Operations, Technical, NPD, and Commercial teams to embed microbiological risk management across the product lifecycle 

• Provide technical input into process design, factory layouts, and capital investment decisions 

• Act as the microbiology lead in customer and regulatory interactions where required 

Skills & Experience Required 

• Degree (or higher) in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, or a closely related discipline 

• Extensive experience in food manufacturing, with deep expertise in microbiological risk within complex, multi-product environments 

• Proven track record of operating at a senior technical level, influencing multiple sites or business units 

• Advanced knowledge of: 

• Pathogens of concern (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) and control strategies 

• Environmental monitoring and hygienic zoning principles 

• Shelf-life validation, challenge testing, and predictive microbiology 

• HACCP methodology and risk assessment frameworks 
• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS and global food safety standards 

Personal Attributes 

• Credible technical authority, able to challenge and influence senior stakeholders 

• Decisive, with the ability to make risk-based calls under pressure 

• Highly analytical, with strong attention to detail and systems thinking 

• Pragmatic and commercially aware, balancing risk with business needs 

• Strong communicator, able to translate complex microbiological risk into clear actions 

What’s in it for me?

Career Development  

• Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in-house L&D team.  
• Continued development through our up-skilling programme that is delivered in partnership with an industry-leading training provider.  

Enhanced Leave  

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.  
• Don’t want to work on your birthday? We don’t either! Enjoy your day off on us!  
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.  
• Up to 10 days compassionate leave.  
• Buy back up to 3 days each year.  
• Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12-months.  

Wellbeing Support  

• Access face-to-face and virtual appointments with our in-house GP.  
• Access our 247 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is provided by Bupa.  
• State-of-the-art on-site gym.  
• Access to our on-site physio.  

Other Perks  

• Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.  
• Subsidised bus pass from Manchester City Centre to our ICON office.  
• Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.  
• On-site staff shop.  
• Know someone who would be perfect for THG? Refer them and get up to £1000 when they pass their probation.  
• Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service