Recyclability Laboratory Technician

DS Smith; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Recyclability Lab Technician at Kemsley Mill. The role involves conducting recyclability testing, managing test schedules, and documenting results. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills, possess a background in lab testing or the paper industry, and thrive in a collaborative environment. Excellent benefits and clear career progression opportunities await you at DS Smith.

Benefits

DS Smith pension scheme

Life assurance

Company sick pay & income protection

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Shopping & lifestyle discounts

Electric vehicle scheme

Free eye tests & flu jabs

Recognition and rewards programme

25 days’ holiday + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent in a technical or engineering subject.
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High level of numeracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Carry out packaging tests to strict protocols.
• Manage test schedules and ensure timely execution.
• Accurately document test results and submit clear reports.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Numeracy

Education

A-Level or equivalent in a technical or engineering subject

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Role

DS Smith is looking for a Recyclability Lab Technician to join our team at Kemsley Mill. In this hands-on technical role, you’ll be supporting our customers by conducting recyclability testing in line with the CEPI Harmonised Test Methodology. You’ll evaluate packaging materials, compile detailed reports, and communicate findings to both internal teams and external customers.

You’ll be working closely with our Packaging and Recycling divisions and liaising with customers—mainly large FMCG brands—so confidence, good communication skills, and the ability to follow defined test protocols are essential. You’ll be supported by our Senior Laboratory Technician on-site, with full training provided.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environment

• Work safely and in line with Kemsley Mill’s local rules and safety protocols.
• Proactively report hazards and take part in risk assessments.
  
  

Laboratory Operations

• Carry out packaging tests to strict protocols, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Manage test schedules and liaise across departments to ensure timely execution.
• Record commercial and financial data relating to each test.
  
  

Reporting & Communication

• Accurately document test results and submit clear, well-written reports.
• Ensure all reports follow our internal approval processes.
• Represent DS Smith professionally in all customer interactions.
• Maintain excellent relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Experience

About You

• Prior experience in lab testing, quality control or the paper industry is desirable.
• Experience in any large-scale manufacturing/testing environment is beneficial.
• Ability to follow structured processes while also thinking critically and solving problems.
• Confident and professional when communicating with customers and colleagues.
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

• Educated to A-Level (or equivalent) ideally in a technical or engineering subject.
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• High level of numeracy and attention to detail
  
  

Benefits

• DS Smith pension scheme
• Life assurance (death in service)
• Company sick pay & income protection
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping & lifestyle discounts
• Electric vehicle scheme (salary sacrifice)
• Free eye tests & flu jabs
• Recognition and rewards programme
• Clear career development and progression opportunities
• 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
  
  

Location: Kemsley Mill

Hours: On Site - Monday to Friday – 12:00 – 20:00pm

About Us

We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those