At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product quality through hands-on testing and collaboration with production teams.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing site producing iconic drinks in East Kilbride.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, private medical insurance, and free on-site perks.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities across GB and Europe in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product excellence in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, quality assurance knowledge, and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Shift based (days and nights) – 42hr Annualised Hours (over 7 days)
Annual performance related pay bonus + Share scheme + Competitive pension contributions + Personal private medical insurance + Laundered uniform + All safety equipment provided + Subsidised canteen on-site + Free hot and cold drinks + Free parking + Excellent parental benefits
What you become part of:
East Kilbride Operations is a high performing manufacturing site producing around 20 million cases of drinks each year across six production lines, including both glass and PET formats. It is the only site in Great Britain producing Appletiser in glass, making it a unique and strategically important operation. With approximately 200 colleagues on site, the environment is collaborative, fast paced, and supportive. Joining this team offers not only exposure to a complex and quality driven manufacturing environment, but also access to broader career opportunities across other GB sites and pan European locations.
What to expect:
In this role, you will be a key member of the QESH team, acting as a quality guardian on shift and ensuring products consistently meet the highest standards. You will combine hands on laboratory expertise with strong collaboration across production teams to drive compliance, quality, and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the primary point of contact for quality on shift, providing expert guidance and escalation where required
- Conducting analytical, sensory and microbiological testing in a consistent, controlled, and compliant manner
- Performing detailed analysis and supporting investigations to protect product integrity and QESH standards
- Monitoring product compliance and supporting operational teams through hands on coaching, troubleshooting, and training
- Managing quality data and completing administrative tasks within the quality monitoring systems
You will also play an important role in ensuring equipment and processes are robust and reliable:
- Delivering the calibration programme to ensure all measuring equipment provides accurate and dependable results
- Supporting the implementation of the site Quality Plan and driving adherence to agreed ways of working
- Maintaining high standards of safety, hygiene, and housekeeping, demonstrating a zero accident mindset
This role offers strong involvement in continuous improvement and capability building:
- Supporting the QA Lead and wider teams to achieve quality objectives and close audit actions
- Leading or contributing to root cause investigations for non conformance and microbiological issues
- Driving GMP standards through audits, engagement with colleagues, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Writing and developing laboratory procedures and ensuring effective training and verification within the team
In addition, you will contribute to the sensory and microbiological excellence of the site:
- Conducting enhanced sensory testing to support product release and maintain high quality standards
- Participating in proficiency testing and additional testing programmes
- Managing non conformance processes on shift, including initial investigation and sharing learnings across teams
Skills & Essentials:
To be successful in this role, you will bring a blend of technical expertise, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to quality and teamwork.
- Experience working within an FMCG or manufacturing environment
- Practical understanding of Quality Assurance principles, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Good working knowledge of systems, including Microsoft Office
- Microbiology knowledge or proven experience in a related field is advantageous
- HACCP qualification (Level 3 or above) is beneficial
- Experience of analytical testing and working to ISO standards
- Proven hands‑on experience with HPLC operation. Interpret chromatographic data, troubleshoot instrumentation, and ensure accurate documentation of results.
- Strong understanding of chromatographic principles, sample preparation, and data analysis software.
- Ability to work to GLP/GMP standards with meticulous attention to detail.
Eligibility to work in the UK is required. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in a quality focused, high performing manufacturing environment, where their contribution has a direct impact on product excellence and customer satisfaction.
The closing date for applications is 01/06/26. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure you are considered for this role, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Lab Senior Technician Operative - Production Quality Assurance and Micro, East Kilbride employer: Coca-cola European Partners
As a Lab Senior Technician Operative at our East Kilbride site, you will join a collaborative and fast-paced environment that values quality and continuous improvement. With competitive benefits including performance-related pay, private medical insurance, and excellent parental support, we are committed to your professional growth and well-being. This unique location not only produces Appletiser in glass but also offers opportunities for career advancement across various sites in Great Britain and Europe, making it an exceptional place to build a rewarding career.
Contact Detail:
Coca-cola European Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Senior Technician Operative - Production Quality Assurance and Micro, East Kilbride
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on East Kilbride Operations. Understanding their values and work environment will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills! Since this role requires hands-on laboratory expertise, brush up on your analytical testing and microbiological knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with HPLC operation and how you've ensured compliance with quality standards in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! This position is all about collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively with others in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any experiences where you’ve coached or trained colleagues to drive quality and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application as soon as possible, especially since the closing date is coming up. Applying directly through our site not only ensures your application is seen but also shows your enthusiasm for the role. Don’t wait!
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Senior Technician Operative - Production Quality Assurance and Micro, East Kilbride
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in quality assurance and any hands-on laboratory work you've done. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance and how your background makes you a great fit for the Lab Senior Technician role. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can get to know you better.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially with HPLC operation and microbiology knowledge. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of quality principles and analytical testing, so make sure these stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at East Kilbride!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coca-cola European Partners
✨Know Your Quality Assurance Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of Quality Assurance principles, especially in the context of FMCG and manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the industry and its standards.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with HPLC operation and analytical testing. Bring examples of how you've interpreted chromatographic data and troubleshoot instrumentation issues. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with production teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous positions. Highlight any coaching or training experiences that showcase your ability to support and uplift your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of specific instances where you've contributed to continuous improvement initiatives or quality objectives. Discuss how you’ve led or participated in root cause investigations and how you’ve driven adherence to GMP standards. This will show your proactive approach to quality and teamwork.