At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Sampling Technician, coordinating product sampling and ensuring quality standards.
- Company: Kerry Dairy is a leading dairy business focused on sustainability and innovation in food production.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health coverage, career development, and a friendly work environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in the agri-food industry while working with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and proficient in Microsoft Excel; lab experience is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to learn from experienced colleagues in a dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Sampling Technician to join our Technical Department in Ossett. In this permanent, full-time position, you will play a key role in maintaining product quality and ensuring compliance with food safety standards by coordinating the sampling and stock release processes. You will support cross-functional teams and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. This is not a lab-based role. Instead, it focuses on the coordination of samples being sent to an external laboratory. While prior lab experience is not required, a basic understanding of microbiology or chemistry would be beneficial. You will report directly to the Quality Manager.
Key responsibilities
- Stock Release Management
- Coordinate the placement of stock on quality hold based on production, testing, or compliance concerns.
- Monitor and manage the timely release of stock once quality criteria are met, ensuring alignment with business needs and minimizing delays in the supply chain.
- Liaise with relevant departments to communicate stock status and resolve any quality-related issues that may impact product availability.
- Sampling & Testing Coordination
- Maintain and execute a comprehensive sampling schedule covering microbiological testing, allergen testing, and chemical and nutritional analysis.
- Ensure samples are collected, labelled, and submitted to internal or external laboratories in accordance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Track and follow up on test results, ensuring timely entry into the ERP system (SAP) and initiating appropriate actions based on outcomes.
- Organize and participate in organoleptic (sensory) taste panels to assess product quality and consistency.
- Analysis & Reporting
- Prepare trend analyses and key performance indicator (KPI) reports to support continuous improvement and compliance monitoring.
- Participate in internal and external quality audits, supporting audit readiness and corrective action implementation.
- Perform additional duties within the Technical Department as required, including ordering consumables and supporting food safety investigations.
Qualifications and skills
- Detail oriented individual with a strong commitment to quality and safety.
- Good time management and ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- Self-motivated and confident working independently.
- Clear and effective communication skills.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel.
- Practical experience in setting up sensory panel would be a plus.
What We Offer
- 25 days of annual leave (excluding public holidays).
- Comprehensive health coverage.
- Career development and training opportunities.
- A safe, friendly, and people-focused work environment.
- A matched pension scheme of up to 10%.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
- A benefits platform with discounts and cashback from major retailers.
Sampling Technician employer: Kerry
Contact Detail:
Kerry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sampling Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with food safety standards and regulations relevant to the dairy industry. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food sector, especially those involved in quality assurance or sampling processes. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals for the Sampling Technician role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills, as proficiency in this software is crucial for managing data and reporting. Consider taking a short online course if you feel you need to enhance your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your time management strategies during the interview. The role requires effective prioritisation of tasks, so having examples ready will show that you can handle the responsibilities of a Sampling Technician.
We think you need these skills to ace Sampling Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Sampling Technician position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have direct lab experience, emphasise any related skills or knowledge in microbiology or chemistry. Mention any previous roles where you demonstrated attention to detail, time management, and effective communication.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Explain why you're interested in working at Kerry Dairy and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the Sampling Technician position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Sampling Technician does. Familiarise yourself with stock release management, sampling coordination, and compliance with food safety standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a detail-oriented position, be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it's in managing schedules or ensuring compliance, highlight how your meticulous nature aligns with the job requirements.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with different departments. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about team dynamics and collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Interest in Food Safety
Since the role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards, express your passion for quality and safety in the food industry. You could mention any relevant coursework or personal interests that relate to microbiology or chemistry, even if you don't have direct lab experience.