Quality/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
