At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure accurate sugar beet testing and uphold quality standards in a lab environment.
- Company: Join the National Farmers’ Union, the largest farming organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, health cash plan, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Remote interviews available; must have access to a vehicle for site travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality while working flexible night shifts.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and attention to detail; previous lab experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.
Salary: £17.00 per hour
Location: Wissington, Norfolk
Working Hours: You will work on a shift pattern, likely to be 4 on 4 off. Indicative shift times are:
- Monday – Friday: 19.00 – 05:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 21:00 – 04:00
Breaks are paid and are included in the above shift times. Flexibility is required. Shift start and finish times may vary to those listed above.
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract September 2026 – March 2027. You must be available to attend a pre-season campaign meeting in early September 2026.
Purpose of the role & how you will contribute: Join our team as a Quality Assurance Operations Technician and play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of sugar beet testing. You'll ensure every grower sample is processed accurately, monitor lab equipment, and uphold strict quality standards in collaboration with British Sugar. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will directly impact data accuracy and grower confidence. This is a hands‑off role where your observations, reporting, and problem‑solving will help maintain smooth operations and continuous improvement. If you're passionate about quality and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll bring:
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Ability to follow rules and procedures and confidently challenge non-conformances.
- Strong communication skills with tact and discretion across all levels.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and accurate data entry.
- Organised, methodical, and detail oriented.
- Punctual, reliable, and committed to high standards.
- Able to work unsupervised and use initiative.
- Previous experience in quality control or lab environments is beneficial; full training provided.
- Willingness to work unsociable hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Awareness of Health and Safety procedures and safe working practices.
- Flexible and able to work extended shifts if required.
- Must live within a reasonable distance of the site.
- The role may occasionally require travel between sites. Candidates must therefore have access to their own vehicle and be willing to obtain Class 1 business use on their motor insurance policy where required for business travel and expense claims.
You will be based at the British Sugar Factory, Wissington, and will work alongside British Sugar staff as they operate the Tarehouse for the campaign.
Interviews for this role will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams. Candidates should therefore have access to a suitable device and internet connection capable of supporting a Teams video call. If you require any adjustments or support to participate in the interview process, please let us know.
Why choose us? Join us and you’ll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:
- Competitive pay.
- Full training and PPE are provided.
- Company funded health cash plan.
- Competitive Pension and Life assurance.
- 5.6 weeks’ annual leave per year (pro-rata), plus 1 additional NFU day (if present for the whole campaign).
- Employee Assistance program to help you deal with life’s challenges.
Who we are: Every day, we're the voice of around 43,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.
Quality Assurance Operations Technician (Sugar Testing - Nights) in King's Lynn employer: National Farmers Union
As the Head of Legal for a prominent UK membership organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. The company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact in the legal field. Located in a vibrant area, this role provides a unique chance to lead a dedicated team and influence governance at a national level.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Operations Technician (Sugar Testing - Nights) in King's Lynn
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like National Farmers Union.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Operations Technician (Sugar Testing - Nights) in King's Lynn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at National Farmers Union, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Farmers Union
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
