Laboratory Assistant - Taw Valley Creamery

Arla foods; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy cooperative in Devon and Torbay seeks a dedicated laboratory team member to ensure product safety and quality. The role involves conducting tests, reporting results, and maintaining lab standards. Required qualifications include relevant technical education and strong communication skills. This is a physically demanding position with a focus on innovative dairy production.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory practice or similar roles.
• Physically fit for significant bench work and sampling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tests to analyze products and materials.
• Interpret analysis results and escalate non-conformance issues.
• Communicate and report results to relevant departments.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

IT literacy (Microsoft Office, SAP)

Understanding of food safety principles

Education

Vocational or technical education

Job description

About the job

As a key member of the Taw Valley QEHS Laboratory team, you will assist with the efficient running of the laboratory, ensuring that our products and materials meet high safety and quality standards.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct tests to analyze products and materials.
• Interpret analysis results and escalate non-conformance issues.
• Communicate and report results to relevant departments.
• Accurately enter data of results and sample details.
• Ensure proper use of company standards and procedures.
• Maintain instrumentation and equipment calibration.
• Use calibrated and verified methods.
• Manage laboratory material stocks and ordering.
• Liaise with external laboratories and service providers.
• Maintain laboratory safety and 5S levels.

Qualifications and skills:

The ideal candidate will have vocational or technical education and experience in laboratory practice or similar roles. Strong communication skills, understanding of food safety principles, attention to detail, and IT literacy (Microsoft Office, SAP) are essential. Applicants should be physically fit, as the role involves significant bench work and sampling in the factory.

About Arla:

• We are a farmer-owned cooperative committed to fair pricing for farmers.
• We have experimented with bio-powered trucks and built the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral dairy.
• We produce Lurpak, a globally recognized butter brand.
• We operate across the UK, Europe, Asia, Middle East, North and South America.

Join us and shape the future of dairy

At Arla Foods, we focus on sustainability, innovation, and making high-quality, nutritious dairy products accessible. We value diversity and collaboration, fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.