Full job descriptionQuality/Technical Technician | Southend | 37.5 Hours P/W | £32k - £35k
Lead technical evaluation & quality assurance activities for packaging materials & production processes. Combine laboratory testing, R&D, regulatory compliance, supplier management & customer support to ensure products meet performance, safety & regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
R&D & Technical Development
*Design & execute R&D trials to evaluate new packaging materials, coatings & structures for technical & production performance.
*Propose material & process improvements to enhance functionality, manufacturability & cost-effectiveness.
*Support pilot trials & scale-up, documenting methods, results & recommendations.
Laboratory Analysis & Testing
*Perform routine & investigative laboratory analyses (physical, chemical & sensory/odour testing) to support quality investigations, trials & sample orders.
*Maintain accurate test records, interpret data & prepare technical/quality reports.
*Manage odour/sensory panels: plan, run, analyse & report results in collaboration with team members.
Quality Systems & Data Management
*Process & analyse manufacturing quality data to support operational quality systems & continuous improvement.
*Complete customer quality certificates & respond to customer questionnaires & complaints with timely investigations & corrective actions.
*Prepare & maintain Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Declarations of Compliance (DoC) & other product documentation.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
*Ensure products & processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements; perform regulatory testing & assessments as required.
*Conduct COSHH/risk assessments & support implementation of control measures.
*Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory standards & advise on implications.
Supplier & Production Liaison
*Act as the primary technical contact for suppliers; perform supplier assessments & monitor supplier quality performance.
*Work closely with production & operations management on day-to-day quality matters & trial support.
*Provide on-site technical assistance at customer & supplier locations in the UK & overseas as required.
Equipment & Lab Management
*Manage lab supplies, sample orders & inventory.
*Oversee calibration, servicing & maintenance schedules for laboratory & test equipment; administer associated records.
Team Support & Training
*Provide technical support, training & cover for other quality/technical personnel.
*Contribute to team reviews & meetings by preparing & presenting relevant technical information.
Waste Management & Miscellaneous
*Support the Quality & Technical Manager in processing & managing operations waste streams.
*Undertake any other tasks required to meet team responsibilities & objectives.
What you need:
*Degree or HND in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
*Proven laboratory & analytical skills with experience in packaging materials testing.
*Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance for packaging materials (e.g. food contact, BRC, etc.) & experience performing regulatory assessments.
*Experience with root cause analysis, complaints investigations & corrective action implementation.
*Competence in preparing Technical Data Sheets, Declarations of Compliance & formal technical reports.
*Experience managing supplier quality & working closely with production teams.
*Good MS Office skills; experience with quality data systems is desirable.
*Strong verbal & written communication skills; able to represent the company with customers & suppliers.
Desirable
*Experience with sensory/odour panel methodology.
*Practical experience of COSHH assessments, equipment calibration management & laboratory health & safety.
*Willingness to travel domestically & internationally for customer/supplier support.
What’s in it for you?
*Salary £32,000 - £38,000 depending on experience.
*Individual monthly bonuses awarded to those who show extra commitment.
*Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
*34 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays.
*Company pension scheme with 3% employer contribution.
*Life cover of 3 x annual salary.
*Onsite parking.
*Uniform provided.
For more information please contact Sophie Barnes