Laboratory Quality Analyst in Stoke-on-Trent

The Laboratory Quality Analyst for Nijhuis Saur Industries in Stoke is responsible for ensuring the laboratory and Riventa business unit operate to the highest quality standards by managing accreditation compliance, internal and external audits, QA/QC processes, instrument calibration, data analysis, and documentation control. The role provides technical guidance to staff, supports method development, oversees customer satisfaction and performance metrics, leads accreditation audit representation, and manages non‑conformance investigations. It also involves collaborating with management and customers, producing performance reports, supporting routine and specialised testing, and maintaining ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 quality systems for both laboratory and manufactured parts environments.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation, regulatory standards and provide guidance to staff to ensure that quality policies, processes and procedures are established, current and adhered to by all laboratory staff.
• Oversee laboratory internal audit processes, external proficiency testing programs, document control systems, competency assessment, training, and other quality processes.
• Support the development of instrument techniques, ensuring adequate calibrations and QC are in place.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and performance metrics of the laboratory.
• Liaise with management throughout the business as well as customers when reporting on quality and statistical data.
• Oversee the Riventa business unit quality system including manufactured parts QA/QC process, calibration of temperature probes to approved methods, warranty, repair and returns process for Riventa parts.
• Maintain a quality management system for Riventa.
• Work to the global NSI ISO 9001 accredited quality management system.
• Work to the NSI WTL ISO 17025 accredited quality management system.
• Manage, document and audit the Riventa incoming and assembled products/parts testing and acceptance QA/QC process at the Stoke facility, in collaboration with the Riventa team.
• Manage, document and audit the Riventa temperature and pressure probe calibration process to relevant standards.
• Conduct lab testing to high standards through busy periods or during periods of absence of Laboratory Analyst or Develop Analysts.
• Audit the analytical performance of the analysts, content of laboratory methodology and documentation to ensure compliance with the quality system.
• Represent the laboratory during annual accreditation audits.
• Oversee the laboratories non-conformance log to ensure its appropriate use and investigations are completed in full, with appropriate actions.
• Analyse data, identify trends, monitor prevention and correction of quality deviations, and develop reports for management utilising regulatory knowledge, technical knowledge and laboratory experience.
• Provide quality support to the laboratory for routine testing when required as well as providing quality support to the Technical Development Scientist and the wider technical team with specialised testing and the growth of these methods.
• Report periodically to management, customers on the quality performance of the laboratory.
• Present data to stakeholders on laboratory performance statistics.
• Support the creation and reviewing of validation reports for new and current tests.
• Perform Uncertainty of Measurement calculations when required.

Required Skills/Qualifications (Essential)

• Knowledge and experience of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 and quality improvement tools and techniques.
• Knowledge and experience of UKAS accreditation and audits is advantageous.
• Experienced in the auditing of quality systems and laboratory testing procedures.
• Experience working with a QC process for manufactured parts.
• Working knowledge of accreditation standards, practices, and guidelines sufficient to advise and guide the laboratory manager and laboratory team as they implement new methodology and maintain accreditation.
• Working knowledge of computer and analytical software programs sufficient for the evaluation of electronic data, data interpretation, and report development (A good understanding of the Microsoft Office Suite would be advantageous).
• Experience working with LIMS.
• Excellent organisational skills allowing the coordination of multi-faceted QA activities.
• Experience in performing data analysis such as uncertainty of measurement.
• Working experience of overseeing the development of new analytical techniques.
• Good awareness of all HSE aspects in a laboratory environment (i.e., COSHH, RA).

Required Skills/Qualifications (Desirable)

• Degree/HND in Biochemistry/Chemistry or related science (Highly Desirable).
• Consideration will be given to applicants with Certifications in Quality (Highly Desirable).
• Consideration will be given to those candidates with 2 years’ experience in a similar position (Highly Desirable).
• Knowledge and/or previous experience of GC-FID, Ion chromatography, FT-IR, wet chemistry, spectrophotometry experience of water, wastewater, cooling water and boiler water in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, food & beverage industries (Highly desirable).

Working For Us Means

• The salary is between £33,000 & £38,000 per year, depending on your professional experience.
• Hours of Work – 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Holidays – 25 days + 8 statutory days (pro-rata).
• Probationary Period – 6 months.
• Pension – Can join immediately or auto enrolled after 3 months – Employee 5% and Employer 5% via salary sacrifice.
• Eligible to join Private Healthcare after successfully completing probation.
• Enrolled in Group Income Protection and Death in Service (4 x basic salary) upon commencement of employment.
• Notice – 1 Week during probation, increasing to 1 month thereafter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland are an equal opportunity employer; we are committed to providing equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010.