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