quality assurance technician (non- food) in London

The Quality Assurance Technician role contributes to Starbucks success by supporting the global FSQ strategy in EMEA within production, distribution, company owned, and licensed stores. You will be working with a wide range of suppliers (paper & packaging, merchandise, smallwares and equipment) to ensure product specifications, testing requirements and product approval occurs whilst ensuring they meet our requirements. The role will support and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance our process, keeping abreast of industry best practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality safe products that protect our brand.

• Reviewing and managing the completeness and accuracy of product specifications and other technical documents e.g. DoC, test reports.
• Using data insight and risk management to build continuous improvement with our suppliers, distribution and stores.
• Engaging widely with key business stakeholders including suppliers to provide and maintain a good understanding of product safety and quality and support driving a culture of compliance throughout the EMEA region.
• Apply technical knowledge to projects and gather insights (i.e., testing, supplier and product assessment) across a wide variety of product including merchandise, paper and packaging, smallwares.
• Lead product complaints ensuring partners effectively manage and close out issues.

Here, you’ll achieve results by:

• Delivering small-scale projects that contribute to product innovation and technical excellence.
• Reviewing supplier samples against submission information, in house testing and providing feedback on the product.
• Identifying and implementing new systems and processes to improve speed to market.
• Working closely with suppliers to implement product performance standards and ensure timely approval.
• Ensuring manufacturing sites meet Starbucks technical and ethical standards, including reviewing audits and corrective actions.
• Ensuring products comply with industry regulations, Starbucks quality standards, and sustainability initiatives.
• Monitoring category performance, complaint data, to drive continuous improvement.

Here, you’ll contribute to our shared success by:

• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners and external stakeholders to achieve business goals.
• Having the ability to balance needs of the business against legal requirements and/or guidelines.
• A proactive self-starter with excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with a collaborative and adaptable approach.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
• Passionate about product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Here, you’ll thrive by:

• A degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Scientific Engineering or related quality field in consumer/household goods.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Food contact material knowledge.
• Technical experience within Manufacturing, Quality or Retail.
• Able to influence cross functionally and across all levels within the business.
• Experience working with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Previous experience as a Product Technologist in a product facing role.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience in Power BI is desirable.
• Ability to collect data, organise, analyse and capture conclusions as well as excellent analytical and report writing skills.

What else should you know? We have a flexible working policy. Meaning 50% of the time we collaborate with each other in our London office and the rest of the time you may choose to work remotely. Depending on your portfolio travel to other locations may be required occasionally. We will work with you to ensure this fits your home life. We also actively encourage partners to spend time in our stores. We believe it is essential we all understand the customer and ‘Green Apron Partner’ Starbucks experience. Our standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:30. We value flexibility and offer it in return—recognising that balance looks different for everyone.

Here you belong. The voices of our people are brewed into everything we do. At Starbucks, you’ll be welcomed, you’ll be challenged, you’ll be inspired. Here, you’ll be heard because here, you’re part of it all.

• You’ll get to work for an iconic brand that puts people first and makes a difference in every community it serves.
• You’ll be immersed in a welcoming culture where you’ll connect with partners who care about one another.
• You’ll have an impact every day through genuine, meaningful connections.
• You’ll be able to grow as an individual through rich learning experiences.
• You’ll feel supported and cared for because well-being is a priority.