Laboratory Technician

Overview

The Laboratory is a vital link in the chain within the company and enables us to ensure food safety for our customers. The successful candidate will join our friendly laboratory team and be trained in microbiological, nutritional and allergen testing to CLAS standards (3rd Party Accreditation). The laboratory team is multi-skilled and covers all aspects of laboratory work from the use of high tech testing equipment to general cleaning duties. This role will allow progression to become fully competent in the Chemistry and Microbiology Methods, including sample preparation, routine testing of food products, environmental samples and raw materials. The laboratory technician will be required to process, analyse and report results for samples for microbiological, nutritional and allergen testing, in line with documented methods and procedures.

This will include sample and media preparation as required, correct use of laboratory equipment and carrying out necessary QC checks within the laboratory. The laboratory technician will be responsible for assessment of results and subsequent release and/or holding of product during laboratory working hours which will include weekends. The laboratory technician will also communicate non-conformances including out of spec results to Supervisor and stakeholders within the business, and carry out additional testing and/or investigations to identify root cause.

Responsibilities

• Process the day’s samples through the Laboratories, from sample receipt to final processing of results.
• Have full knowledge of, sample preparation and testing activities and be proficient in all methods.
• Enter all results onto relevant databases and report as necessary.
• Complete all required paperwork including for traceability.
• Perform QC checks. Achieve and maintain competence in all required methods.
• Maintain cleanliness and sterility of equipment along with general cleaning duties.
• Willingness to learn all aspects of the work in all areas of the Laboratory.
• Willingness to take part in activities outside of the laboratory when required.

Essential

• GCSE level or equivalent Mathematics and English
• Computer literate
• Experience of working as part of a team with a “can do” attitude

Desirable

• Basic Food Hygiene
• GCSE in a science subject
• Experience of working in a laboratory
• Experience of using SAP
• Experience within the food industry

Personal Qualities

• Able to follow instructions
• Organised and accurate approach to work
• Enthusiastic
• Able to work on own initiative
• Reliable
• Good sense of humour
• Genuine interest in science
• Enjoys learning new skills
• Enjoys working as part of a team
• Attention to detail
• Dextrous

Benefits

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4%
• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking
• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
• apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

As a family-owned business, we take pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals. We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers. We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people. We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future. We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we are on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.