At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food safety and quality through testing and monitoring in a vibrant lab environment.
- Company: Join Nichols, the home of Vimto, where innovation meets flavour.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, annual bonuses, and perks like free drinks and discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal growth and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team making a real impact on product quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quality Assurance or relevant education; attention to detail is key.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 28900 £ per year.
ABOUT NICHOLS
We’re Nichols - the home of Vimto, and there is no other business quite like ours. We have been making life taste better since 1908. Every day here is bursting with flavour – from the loved brands we’re proud to share with the world, to the energy, ambition and innovative ideas that fizz through our teams.
As well as our refreshingly different Vimto taste, our varied brand portfolio spans the still, carbonated, post-mix and frozen drinks categories – so you will find us in your local supermarket, pub and leisure outlet. We also work with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to provide a truly unique range of products that everyone loves.
At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are. This is a place where you can be yourself, speak up, and get stuck in. We celebrate the wins, cheer each other on and keep things fizzing with positivity. From leaders who listen to teammates who’ve always got your back, it’s work that feels as good as it tastes.
Our Ross-on-Wye site is the heart of production, the home of our post-mix, juices and slushes for Out of Home customers. Our factory is a key ingredient in the Nichols recipe for success — helping us stay innovative, adaptable, and ready to serve up what our customers crave. Nichols is where serious fun meets real opportunities – and where work tastes better.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
We are looking for a Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician to join our Ross-on-Wye site. This role works a 6 week shift rotation consisting of 4 weeks of day shifts followed by 2 weeks of night shifts. Working closely with the Laboratory Team Leader, the role will be responsible for:
- Verifying & monitoring food safety and quality for the site
- Testing of batches including constituent raw materials in line with analytical and microbiological parameters, as well as other parameters as laid down in the Quality Assurance Laboratory Manual
- Monitoring production activities to ensure compliance to customer specifications and good manufacturing practice are adhered to throughout production runs
- Documenting & trending all analysis findings accurately
- Controlling non-conforming products and raw materials to prevent accidental usage
- Thoroughly investigating customer complaints & reporting to facilitate corrective action
THE ROLE WILL INCLUDE:
- Product testing and inspection including analytical and microbiological testing as well as sensory analysis
- Water testing of water treatment plant and rinse waters
- Hygiene swabbing (ATP and traditional recovery)
- Passing product batches in a timely fashion including sensory assessment
- Isolating non-conforming materials
- Creating certificates of analysis
- Batch sampling and analysis
- GMP and hygiene and housekeeping auditing and continuous improvement
- Laboratory and production equipment calibration
- Recipe and line conformance against quality standards
- Quality Assurance Documentation
- Checking Certificate of Analysis
- Customer complaint investigations and reporting
ABOUT YOU…
To make a splash in this role you will bring….
- Quality Assurance/Control laboratory experience or a related educational qualification
- Great attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Enjoy working as part of an extended team and also independently
- Organised and methodical attitude in regard to work
- Can do attitude and passionate about quality
- Ownership and knowing methodology of laboratory techniques
- Chemistry and/or Biology A levels desirable
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US:
No matter where you work in our business you will be entitled to a range of amazing benefits, here is a snapshot of what we can offer you:
- 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
AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE PERKS…
We are also proud to offer:
- 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
Apply now if you want a taste of a new career and join Nichols - Where work tastes better.
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.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process please feel free to contact us. Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £27,000.00-£28,300.00 per year
Work Location: In person
QA Laboratory Technician employer: Nichols plc
Nichols is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to be themselves and contribute their innovative ideas. Located in Ross-on-Wye, our site offers unique opportunities for growth within the Quality Assurance team, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances, annual bonuses, and community volunteering days. Join us at Nichols, where your work not only tastes better but also makes a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Laboratory Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Nichols or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on quality assurance principles and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. Show them you’re passionate about quality and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your personality! Nichols values a positive attitude and teamwork, so let your enthusiasm shine through during interviews. Be yourself and show them why you’d be a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Nichols and being part of our vibrant team.
We think you need these skills to ace QA Laboratory Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the QA Laboratory Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially in quality assurance and laboratory techniques. We want to see how you can bring your unique flavour to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for quality and detail. Share why you’re excited about joining Nichols and how you can contribute to our innovative spirit. Let’s see that enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:In the world of quality assurance, attention to detail is key. When filling out your application, make sure everything is accurate and well-presented. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work, just like we do at Nichols!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about us and what makes Nichols a great place to work!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols plc
✨Know Your Quality Assurance Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality assurance principles and laboratory techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with analytical and microbiological testing, as well as how you ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
During the interview, highlight specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous roles. Whether it was documenting analysis findings or controlling non-conforming products, demonstrating this skill will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like investigating customer complaints or ensuring product quality. Think through potential scenarios and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and methodical approach.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with the Laboratory Team Leader and other team members, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated findings and collaborated with others to achieve quality goals.
