Quality Lab Technician

The Sherwin-Williams Company; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading paint and coatings company is seeking a QA Technician to join their team in Sheffield. In this role, you will conduct routine testing of raw materials and finished products while adhering to safety standards. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, supporting KPIs, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Ideal candidates should possess strong attention to detail and good communication skills. Full training will be provided for those with relevant qualifications and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail whilst undertaking QA work in a tidy and timely fashion.
• Good standard of numeracy and literacy.
• Highly motivated self-starter with initiative.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine sampling and testing of raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products.
• Maintain accurate records of test results and batch numbers.
• Contribute to tracking and reporting of key quality metrics.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good written and oral communication

Ability to work within a busy environment

Computer literate

Education

Minimum GCSE standard or equivalent in English / Maths

A-level / HNC preferred

Tools

Windows based software systems

Job description

Based at our Sheffield site and reporting to the Quality Manager, the successful applicant will become a key member of the QA team, responsible for undertaking routine testing of raw materials, product batches, and finished goods. Working to established quality procedures, you will troubleshoot quality issues within manufacturing, filling, and packing, and carry out duties appropriate to your role under the direction of the QA Team Leader / QA Manager.

This is a shift-based role , and the successful applicant will be expected to work across rotating shift patterns, adhere to company Health & Safety policies and procedures, and actively promote a safe working environment.

Product Testing & Inspection

• Conduct routine sampling and testing of raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products.
• Microbiological testing of manufacturing samples and finished goods
• HPLC monitoring of production batches
• Perform viscosity, density, colour matching, gloss level, and drying time tests using appropriate lab equipment.
• Ensure all products meet specification before release and correcting those that fall outside specification

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of test results, batch numbers, and non-conformances.
• Complete quality control documentation and certificates of analysis.
• Assist in preparing reports for internal audits and customer queries.

General Lab Upkeep & 5S

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in line with 5S principles.
• Ensure all equipment is calibrated, maintained, and stored correctly.
• Manage inventory of lab consumables and chemicals, ensuring proper labelling and storage.
• Support regular housekeeping audits and contribute to continuous lab improvements.

KPI Support

• Contribute to the tracking and reporting of key quality metrics including : OTMIS (Off the Mill In Spec) – ensuring timely release of batches within specification. Distressed Batches – identifying, documenting, and supporting investigations into off-spec or rework batches. Customer Complaints – assisting in complaint investigations and providing lab data to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all quality activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Handle chemicals and lab equipment safely and responsibly.
• Science based qualification minimum A-level / HNC preferred but not essential as full training given
• Minimum GCSE standard or equivalent in English / Maths
• Computer literate
• Good written and oral communication
• Ability to work within a busy environment
• A highly motivated self starter who can demonstrate initiative
• Attention to detail, whilst undertaking QA work in a tidy and timely fashion
• Have a methodical approach
• Relevant working experience – preferred not essential
• PC literate with experience of Windows based software systems (. Microsoft , Word, Excel, Powerpoint and e-mail).
• Good standard of numeracy / literacy