Quality/ Technical Technician

Quality/Technical Technician | Southend | 37.5 Hours P/W | £32k - £35k + Bonus

Lead technical evaluation & quality assurance activities for packaging materials & production processes. Combine laboratory testing, R&D, regulatory compliance, supplier management & customer support to ensure products meet performance, safety & regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

R&D & Technical Development

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• Design & execute R&D trials to evaluate new packaging materials, coatings & structures for technical & production performance.
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• Propose material & process improvements to enhance functionality, manufacturability & cost-effectiveness.
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• Support pilot trials & scale-up, documenting methods, results & recommendations.
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Laboratory Analysis & Testing

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• Perform routine & investigative laboratory analyses (physical, chemical & sensory/odour testing) to support quality investigations, trials & sample orders.
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• Maintain accurate test records, interpret data & prepare technical/quality reports.
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• Manage odour/sensory panels: plan, run, analyse & report results in collaboration with team members.
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Quality Systems & Data Management

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• Process & analyse manufacturing quality data to support operational quality systems & continuous improvement.
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• Complete customer quality certificates & respond to customer questionnaires & complaints with timely investigations & corrective actions.
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• Prepare & maintain Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Declarations of Compliance (DoC) & other product documentation.
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Regulatory Compliance & Safety

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• Ensure products & processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements; perform regulatory testing & assessments as required.
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• Conduct COSHH/risk assessments & support implementation of control measures.
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• Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory standards & advise on implications.
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Supplier & Production Liaison

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• Act as the primary technical contact for suppliers; perform supplier assessments & monitor supplier quality performance.
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• Work closely with production & operations management on day-to-day quality matters & trial support.
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• Provide on-site technical assistance at customer & supplier locations in the UK & overseas as required.
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Equipment & Lab Management

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• Manage lab supplies, sample orders & inventory.
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• Oversee calibration, servicing & maintenance schedules for laboratory & test equipment; administer associated records.
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Team Support & Training

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• Provide technical support, training & cover for other quality/technical personnel.
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• Contribute to team reviews & meetings by preparing & presenting relevant technical information.
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Waste Management & Miscellaneous

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• Support the Quality & Technical Manager in processing & managing operations waste streams.
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• Undertake any other tasks required to meet team responsibilities & objectives.
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What you need:

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• Degree or HND in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
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• Proven laboratory & analytical skills with experience in packaging materials testing.
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• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance for packaging materials (e.g. food contact, BRC, etc.) & experience performing regulatory assessments.
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• Experience with root cause analysis, complaints investigations & corrective action implementation.
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• Competence in preparing Technical Data Sheets, Declarations of Compliance & formal technical reports.
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• Experience managing supplier quality & working closely with production teams.
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• Good MS Office skills; experience with quality data systems is desirable.
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• Strong verbal & written communication skills; able to represent the company with customers & suppliers.
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Desirable

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• Experience with sensory/odour panel methodology.
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• Practical experience of COSHH assessments, equipment calibration management & laboratory health & safety.
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• Willingness to travel domestically & internationally for customer/supplier support.
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What's in it for you?

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• Salary £32,000 - £38,000 depending on experience.
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• Individual monthly bonuses awarded to those who show extra commitment.
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• Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
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• 34 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
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• Company pension scheme with 3% employer contribution.
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• Life cover of 3 x annual salary.
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• Onsite parking.
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• Uniform provided.
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