Lab Quality Assurance Technician

Diageo; Ireland; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Diageo (Littleconnell Brewery) is seeking a Lab Quality Assurance Technician on a full-time 18-month contract. You will perform routine chemical and microbiological analyses, maintain GMP/LAB SOPs, and support compliance with FSSC 22000, ISO 45001 and FEMAS.

You’ll use LIMS, manage stock, and contribute to flavor and quality control for beer production. Ideal candidates hold a relevant science degree, have at least two years in a lab environment, and are detail-focused team players who can work

Qualifications

• Relevant science degree or equivalent.
• Experience working in laboratory setting.
• Bachelor/Masters of Science (analytical or microbiology preferred).
• 2 years experience working in laboratory environment (regulatory sector preferred).
• Core competency in chromatography (GC/HPLC), chemical analysis, microbiological analysis and brewing quality control.
• Experience in production/manufacturing environment, preferably food, beverage or pharmaceuticals.
• Understanding of GMP and GLP fundamentals.
• Experience using LIMS system, e.g. Harford.
• Demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake routine daily physical-chemical analysis of in-process beer and water samples.
• Carry out microbiological analytical techniques including yeast propagation and growth promotion testing.
• Use aseptic sampling, plating, staining and microscopy; operate LIMS.
• Carry out routine tasting analyses for product release.
• Collect, analyse and enter samples onto systems in a timely manner.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments; support QA training.
• Develop and update quality SOPs; manage laboratory stock control.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and escalate to management as needed.
• Interact with production to highlight quality issues and interpret results.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Science (analytical or microbiology preferred)

Tools

LIMS (Harford)

Job description

Job Title: Lab Quality Assurance Technician Job Type: Full Time (18 Months Contract) Shift Pattern: 8 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday) Location - Littleconnell Brewery

About the Function:

Supply Chain & Manufacturing is where our brands are made, moved and delivered to the world. With over half of our people working across more than 100 sites, this is a complex, large-scale operation that brings together production, logistics, engineering and supplier partnerships. It's fast-paced and hands-on, with teams working together to ensure quality, efficiency and sustainability at every stage. From sourcing ingredients to getting products into customers' hands, you'll play a role in delivering the brands people know and love.

About the role

• Utilise safe systems of working and risk assessment of plant and processes, proactively raising safety issues where appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, safe work environment using 5S Standards.
• Ensure Good Safe Laboratory Practices are adhered to.
• Support the site compliance to FSSC 22000, ISO 45001 and FEMAS certifications amongst others.
• Support the development and implementation of the Quality & Food Safety Strategy on site
• Undertake routine daily physical-chemical analysis of in-process beer and water samples. Some techniques will include the use of HPLC and GC analysis/equipment.
• Perform and carry out a variety of routine microbiological analytical techniques including but not limited to in-process analysis, yeast propagation methods, growth promotion testing.
• Use microbiological techniques such as aseptic sampling, plating, identification techniques including staining, microscopy and LIMS operation.
• Carry out routine tasting analyses for product release.
• Collect, analyse and enter samples onto systems in a timely manner.
• Day to day upkeep and calibration of test instruments in the laboratory.
• Receive and deliver training on relevant analytical methods to support wider Lab QA team.
• Develop and update quality SOPs
• Complete laboratory stock control.
• Respond to lab equipment breakdowns and issues; use of problem solving techniques and escalation to management where required.
• Initial interpretation of results and proactive engagement with the rest of production team to highlight any quality issues.

Experience/skills required

• Qualifications: Relevant science degree or equivalent.
• Experience working in laboratory setting.
• Preferred experience: Bachelor/Masters of Science (analytical or microbiology preferred).
• 2 years experience working in laboratory environment (regulatory sector preferred).
• Core competency in one or more of the following: chromatography (GC/HPLC), chemical Analysis, microbiological analysis and brewing quality control.
• Experience in production/manufacturing environment, preferably food, beverage or pharmaceuticals.
• Clear understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Experience using LIMS system, e.g. Harford.
• Leadership & Success Strong attention to detail to ensure effective and accurate quality analysis.
• Confident working independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisation skills with a timely and systematic approach.
• Proactive in seeking opportunities to improve work environment, practices and KPIs.
• Demonstrates flexible attitudes to new ways of working and site goals.
• Applies Manufacturing Excellence tools to drive lab and site performance through continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates initiative and self-direction while working as part of a fully autonomous team.

Working with Us

Flexibility is key to our success. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you’re supported to manage your wellbeing and balance your priorities from day one.

We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package including:

Our purpose is crafting iconic drinks chosen for life’s moments. And it’s our people, with their different experiences, perspectives and talents, who make that possible.

We value diversity in its broadest sense and want everyone to feel they can belong, contribute and strive for their personal best. You'll work alongside people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives — challenging, supporting and learning from one another as one outstanding team.

Together, we’re constantly learning and improving, combining the strength of our people, capabilities and iconic brands to raise the bar, grow and win.

Wherever you join us, you'll have the opportunity to contribute, make an impact and play your part in making life’s moments mean a little more.

Ready to bring your best? This could be your opportunity.

With more than 200 brands sold in over 180 countries, we are home to a diverse portfolio of drinks enjoyed around the world. Every day, our talented colleagues bring creativity, expertise and passion to the brands people know and love. From established favourites to exciting new launches, the brands we build are shaped by culture, connected to local communities and made for life’s moments. By understanding our consumers and building strong, trusted relationships with our customers, we help our brands remain relevant, distinctive, and accessible.

Our founders, including Arthur Guinness, John Walker and Charles Tanqueray, were visionary entrepreneurs whose ambition and ingenuity helped shape the drinks industry. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on through our people.

Join us and you'll work alongside talented colleagues from around the world, bringing together different perspectives, experiences and specialist skills. Together, you'll challenge convention, explore new possibilities and help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

You'll be empowered to learn, grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.

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