Job Purpose:
To monitor the Laboratory quality system compliance and effectiveness through planned audits and independent process control checks to ensure that our products comply with food safety legislation, meet the technical and quality specification and are manufactured at best cost. To ensure customer expectations are met and exceeded at every level.

Job Context:
Reporting directly to Technical team leader for day to day operations, working alongside factory colleagues and key disciplines i.e. EHS/production/process/despatch, etc ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
As a member of the QEHS team you will be expected to lead by example.

Laboratory Technician Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Sampling as scheduled at all specific points on raw materials, manufacturing process and finished goods in terms of chemical and microbiological analysis
• Micro analysis of samples as per specified methods
• Carry out product sensory panels to meet requirements
• Ensure that all quality and food safety checks are carried out satisfactorily
• Inform Technical Team of results outside specification for instigation of corrective actions
• Control of the Non-conformance data base
• Ensure that all tasks are completed daily/weekly/ monthly as per schedule
• Control Training Matrix and ensure that all trainings are up to date
• Ensure that all Laboratory Documents are up to date
• Ensure compliance against laboratory standards and procedures
• Ensure that all analytical equipment is maintained and calibrated to the required standards and schedules
• Ensure raw materials & chemicals used within laboratory are within acceptable date criteria
• Arrange service contracts and maintain equipment to high standards
• Order all materials and equipment as required
• Ensure the quality laboratory operation meets the requirements of external accredited bodies by following procedures carefully
• Ensure that all process confirmations in the lab are carried out in a timely manner (T-Cards, 5S)
• Support each other within team to provide resource whenever required to resolve problems and prevent customer & consumer complaints
• Give technical support to the other company departments when required
• Observe company health and safety procedures as laid down, and be proactive in ensuring continuance of updating procedures
• Ensure that GMP and internal audits are completed on time
• Assist Quality Management with implementation of quality systems and project work
• Assist the Technical Team leader with organising appropriate cover for the lab in case of sickness, holidays, etc.

Candidate Profile

• Practical experience of Good Laboratory Practices, microbiology testing experience
• Experience in similar role in a manufacturing environment working within QA / Sensory and laboratory accreditation standards
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact with multiple levels within the business as well as with external contactors
• PC literate with the ability to interpret analytical and microbiological data
• Working knowledge of SAP would be advantageous
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work on the shift pattern (12h day shift including weekends and Bank holidays)
• Ability to be on the "On Call roster" for the weekend cover

Key qualifications for the role:

• Science degree of equivalent
• Food Safety Level 2
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Internal Auditor (preferable)

Working on a continental shift basis where every 5th week is off.
£12.50 per hour