QA Laboratory Technician

First Call Contract Services; Harlow; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual leave buy/sell

Job summary

First Call Contract Services is seeking a QA/QC Lab Technician for an entry-level position based across Harlow and Ponders End. The role involves performing quality testing on wheat and flour, recording data, and assisting with food safety and compliance tasks.

Responsibilities include laboratory testing, data recording, and supporting the Technical Manager with audits and non-conformance investigations. A full UK driving licence and own transport are required to travel between sites.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and use own initiative.
• Proactive attitude and high self-motivation.
• Proficient with IT systems, especially Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Carry out all required testing on wheat and flour to establish quality standards.
• Ensure samples are tested prior to production use or sale.
• Log claims on incoming wheat lorries prior to discharge.
• Liaise with the Technical Manager on products deviating from quality parameters.
• Conduct tests on customer complaint samples and competitor samples as required.
• Record all testing work accurately in documentation and internal systems.
• Monitor dosage levels of additive feeders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork & independence

Self-motivation

MS Word & Excel

Tools

IT systems - general

Job description

QA/QC Lab Technician- Entry Role

Location: Based across both Harlow and Ponders End sites (Own transport/full driving licence required)

Salary: £27,500 per annum (Entry-Level Role)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, working on a weekly rota between 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM and 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Benefits: 24 days holiday + bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave

Job Purpose

Be an active member of the Laboratory Department, participate in food safety systems, and support the Production, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure total quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality & Laboratory Testing:
  • Carry out all required testing on wheat and flour to establish quality standards.
  • Ensure all collected samples (wheat and flour) are efficiently tested prior to release for production use or sale.
  • Ensure any necessary claims on incoming wheat lorries are logged prior to discharge.
  • Liaise with the Technical Manager regarding any products deviating from desired quality parameters.
  • Conduct practical laboratory tests on customer complaint samples and competitor samples as required.
  • Ensure accurate recording of all testing work using provided documentation and internal systems.
  • Perform routine checks on the dosage levels of additive feeders.
• Food Safety & Compliance:
  • Carry out tasks concerning Food Safety as requested by the Technical Manager.
  • Inspect incoming raw materials and packaging alongside the FSQM, including the administration of related technical documentation.
  • Conduct spot checks and mini-audits covering HACCP, Food Safety, and Quality Assurance procedures.
  • Assist the Technical Manager during internal and third-party compliance audits.
• Laboratory & General Duties:
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the laboratory work area and dispose of waste material correctly.
  • Provide basic job cover during team absences.
  • Undergo relevant training and professional development as required by management.
  • Adhere to all statutory employment and data protection legislation (GDPR, Equality Act 2010).
  • Carry out any additional ad hoc tasks allocated by the Technical Manager or Directors to support business operations.

Person Specification

Essential

• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong attention to detail and good problem-solving skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both within a team and independently using your own initiative.
  • High level of self-motivation and a proactive attitude.
  • Proficient in IT systems, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Mobility:
  • Full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle (essential to travel between the Harlow and Ponders End sites).

Desirable

• Experience & Knowledge:
  • Previous experience working in a food testing laboratory or a food manufacturing environment.
  • Experience within a flour milling or grain processing environment.
  • Understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), Quality Control procedures, food safety requirements, product specifications, and technical documentation.

About Our Client

Our client requires all colleagues to work in a flexible manner aligned with business objectives. This job description serves as a guide to the key duties and responsibilities; specific tasks may develop and vary over time to reflect business growth and operational needs.