Quality/ Technical Technician in Southend-on-Sea - OnetoOne Personnel

Quality/Technical Technician | Southend | 37.5 Hours P/W | £32k - £35k + Bonus

Lead technical evaluation & quality assurance activities for packaging materials & production processes. Combine laboratory testing, R&D, regulatory compliance, supplier management & customer support to ensure products meet performance, safety & regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

R&D & Technical Development

• Design & execute R&D trials to evaluate new packaging materials, coatings & structures for technical & production performance.
• Propose material & process improvements to enhance functionality, manufacturability & cost-effectiveness.
• Support pilot trials & scale-up, documenting methods, results & recommendations.

Laboratory Analysis & Testing

• Perform routine & investigative laboratory analyses (physical, chemical & sensory/odour testing) to support quality investigations, trials & sample orders.
• Maintain accurate test records, interpret data & prepare technical/quality reports.
• Manage odour/sensory panels: plan, run, analyse & report results in collaboration with team members.

Quality Systems & Data Management

• Process & analyse manufacturing quality data to support operational quality systems & continuous improvement.
• Complete customer quality certificates & respond to customer questionnaires & complaints with timely investigations & corrective actions.
• Prepare & maintain Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Declarations of Compliance (DoC) & other product documentation.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure products & processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements; perform regulatory testing & assessments as required.
• Conduct COSHH/risk assessments & support implementation of control measures.
• Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory standards & advise on implications.

Supplier & Production Liaison

• Act as the primary technical contact for suppliers; perform supplier assessments & monitor supplier quality performance.
• Work closely with production & operations management on day-to-day quality matters & trial support.
• Provide on-site technical assistance at customer & supplier locations in the UK & overseas as required.

Equipment & Lab Management

• Manage lab supplies, sample orders & inventory.
• Oversee calibration, servicing & maintenance schedules for laboratory & test equipment; administer associated records.

Team Support & Training

• Provide technical support, training & cover for other quality/technical personnel.
• Contribute to team reviews & meetings by preparing & presenting relevant technical information.

Waste Management & Miscellaneous

• Support the Quality & Technical Manager in processing & managing operations waste streams.
• Undertake any other tasks required to meet team responsibilities & objectives.

What you need:

• Degree or HND in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven laboratory & analytical skills with experience in packaging materials testing.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance for packaging materials (e.g. food contact, BRC, etc.) & experience performing regulatory assessments.
• Experience with root cause analysis, complaints investigations & corrective action implementation.
• Competence in preparing Technical Data Sheets, Declarations of Compliance & formal technical reports.
• Experience managing supplier quality & working closely with production teams.
• Good MS Office skills; experience with quality data systems is desirable.
• Strong verbal & written communication skills; able to represent the company with customers & suppliers.

Desirable

• Experience with sensory/odour panel methodology.
• Practical experience of COSHH assessments, equipment calibration management & laboratory health & safety.
• Willingness to travel domestically & internationally for customer/supplier support.

What's in it for you?

• Salary £32,000 - £38,000 depending on experience.
• Individual monthly bonuses awarded to those who show extra commitment.
• Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
• 34 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme with 3% employer contribution.
• Life cover of 3 x annual salary.
• Onsite parking.
• Uniform provided.