At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic lab team ensuring top-notch quality in food safety and product standards.
- Company: Join a leading soft drinks company committed to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, annual bonuses, and perks like free drinks and discounts.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality assurance and laboratory testing, especially in the soft drinks industry.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are looking for a Laboratory Team Leader to join our Ross-on-Wye site, working 6am – 4pm Monday – Thursday. The Laboratory Team Leader is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the Quality Assurance Laboratory, inclusive of chemical, physical and microbiological testing functions. The role involves working closely with the Quality Manager to ensure that product standards are consistently met with respect to food safety and quality parameters, including complaint handling and investigation and ensuring operational compliance of new and existing product formulations. You will support the quality agenda through the development and implementation of improvement activities with the delivery of key performance indicators.
Role Responsibilities
- Conducting and ensuring day to day laboratory testing is completed in a timely manner
- Provide or arrange shift cover where appropriate to cover holidays and absences
- Analytical and microbiological testing
- Manage and own the sensory assessment programme for the site
- Maintain laboratory batch trending to ensure accuracy to specification
- Coordinating customer complaint investigations amongst the QA team
- Implement product changes to the site, whilst creating an effective relationship between NPI and production
- QMS, H&H, Glass & brittle material audits; participate in internal auditing as necessary
- Ensuring calibration log is kept updated and non‑conformances are escalated
- Laboratory stock take and ordering as well as good laboratory stock rotation
- Escalation of out of specification results and reporting as necessary
- Ensure all non‑conforming stock is suitably labelled and isolated
- Training of QA Technicians including proficiency testing
- Work in conjunction with the Quality manager to assess positive microbiological trends and remedy these
- Laboratory COSHH management – coordinating COSHH assessments of all laboratory chemicals
- Participation in HACCP as part of the HACCP team
- Ensure product specifications, MMIs & visual standards are suitably maintained
- Frequent communication with R&D and production to facilitate continuous improvements in formulations
- Conduct one‑to‑one discussions with analysts; participate in objective settings with the Quality Manager
About You
To make a splash in this role you will bring:
- Relevant quality experience in the soft drinks industry
- Laboratory testing experience – analytical and microbiological
- Sound working knowledge of HACCP & food safety
- Auditing experience
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent testing methodology knowledge
- An understanding of principles of preservation and process requirements to achieve and sustain product integrity
- Understanding of ingredient interactions, methods, and order of additions for product make‑up
- Good organisation skills: able to prioritise work and communicate with team and at all levels within the business and externally as required
- Self‑motivation and a proactive approach to problem solving
- Being a role model for a culture of continuous improvement, seeking opportunities with a cross‑functional team approach wherever possible
- Experience of coaching and supporting QA Technicians
- Ability to remain calm under pressure to pass batches including batch additions
Benefits
- 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year)
- Annual Bonus
- Save as You Earn Share Scheme
- Option to join our private medical cover scheme
- Enhanced Primary Carers leave and sick pay
Perks
- Holiday home stay
- Your birthday off work
- Free on‑site parking
- 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose when and where)
- Help yourself to our drinks when at one of our sites
- Staff shop with discounts on our products
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe diverse teams perform at their best, and we welcome people with different backgrounds, life experiences, perspectives and ways of thinking. Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.
Laboratory Team Leader employer: Nichols plc
Join our dynamic team at our Ross-on-Wye site as a Laboratory Team Leader, where we prioritise a culture of continuous improvement and employee development. Enjoy a range of benefits including 25 days holiday, an annual bonus, and opportunities for community volunteering, all within a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives. With a focus on quality assurance in the soft drinks industry, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to product integrity while advancing your career in a collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to quality assurance and laboratory management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it really helps to showcase your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for quality and safety during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or handled challenges in previous roles. This will help us see your commitment to excellence!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it keeps you on our radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laboratory Team Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience in quality assurance and laboratory testing, especially in the soft drinks industry. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of HACCP and food safety – it’s key for us!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and improve processes. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you've implemented successful changes or led teams to meet KPIs, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laboratory testing, especially in the soft drinks industry. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies and how they relate to quality assurance. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but can also dive deep into the technical aspects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Laboratory Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in coaching QA Technicians and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle customer complaints and coordinate investigations, as well as how you maintain relationships with R&D and production teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. Think about past experiences where you had to manage non-conformances or implement product changes, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
