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 discounts on our delicious products.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, community volunteering day, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team that values your input and celebrates success.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quality Assurance or relevant education; attention to detail is key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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, its 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.
QA Laboratory Technician in Ross on Wye employer: Nichols plc
Nichols is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where innovation and teamwork are at the forefront. Located in Ross-on-Wye, our site offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, annual bonuses, and community volunteering days. Join us to be part of a family-oriented environment that celebrates individuality and encourages you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the perks of working with beloved brands like Vimto.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Laboratory Technician in Ross on Wye
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Nichols plc.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Nichols plc!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Nichols plc, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Nichols plc, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace QA Laboratory Technician in Ross on Wye
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Nichols plc, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Nichols plc.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Nichols plc. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Nichols plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols plc
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Nichols plc’s mission.
