Laboratory Technician – Kendal

Kendal Nutricare Ltd.; Kendal; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

following completion of development plan

About us:

We are a rapid-growth scale-up disrupting the infant nutrition space through our award-winning brand Kendamil – the only infant milk made in Britain, proudly used by the British Royal Family and uniquely crafted locally using British organic full cream milk, without the nasties.

Our company, Kendal Nutricare, is a 200-person team passionate about giving children a better start to life. We’re proud to be a Queens’ Award winning business and to be ranked by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s 1000 Fastest Growing Companies in 2020.

We’re on an exciting path – join us!

The role:

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to provide an analytical service in both Chemical and Microbiological to support the site. The quality of the product made has to be assured at each step of the process. The results produced by our technicians will be used to grade the products.

As a technician, you would work within the Quality Department, reporting to the Quality Manager and working as part of a team of technicians.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience in the baby food market, ideal for someone with an interest in science and the food industry. This role is subject to a development plan, covering 3 stages. Each stage will merit a pay increase.

1. Stage 1: Lab Technician Level 1, to learn Chemistry and Micro.
2. Stage 2: Lab Technician Level 2, comfortable with all analysis conducted at the Kendal site and able to work independently.
3. Stage 3: Senior Laboratory Technician, Specialized in a particular area of laboratory work and considered a subject matter expert.

This is a full-time role based at our headquarters in Kendal. Working hours are 37.5 per week and can include Saturdays and Sundays.

What you’ll be doing:

• Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations.
• Carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
• Responsible for the analysis of raw materials, packaging, intermediates and finished goods for microbiological, chemical and physical attributes.
• Prepare specimens and samples.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, for example pH meter, auto-titrator, automatic pipettes, centrifuge and protein/fat/moisture analytical instrumentation.
• Keep equipment in a clean and serviceable condition and ensure the safe removal of waste.
• Record, and where relevant, interpret results to present to senior colleagues.
• Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced and that everything is clearly and correctly labelled.
• Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
• Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research.
• Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks.
• Calibration of analytical Equipment.
• Undertake ad-hoc analysis as required.
• Ordering & provision of consumables & chemicals.
• Maintenance of data systems.
• Good laboratory practice ensuring their own Health & Safety and those around them.
• Complying with safety procedures including but not limited to: adopting safe working practices, wearing the required protective clothing and use of safety equipment appropriate to the role (PPE).

What you’ll need:

• A-Level in Biology or Chemistry desirable.
• GCSE in Mathematics and Science is essential, minimum grade B or equivalent.
• Experience in laboratory testing.
• Experience in a food laboratory in a relevant discipline e.g. Microbiology or Chemistry is desirable.
• Be self-motivated and a great team player.
• Be organised, efficient and methodical.
• Have excellent attention to detail.
• Be analytically minded and continuous improvement focused.
• Be quality focused with a drive to ensure standards are upheld.

What you’ll get from us:

The opportunity to work for the fastest growing infant milk brand in Europe, alongside a young talented team dedicated to serving thousands of passionate customers.

We offer to all our employees:

• 33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays), pro rata to start date and FTE.
• Pension Scheme by Aegon, the Employer will match contributions up to a maximum of 5%.
• Free health cash plan.
• Free Gym Membership.
• Life Assurance at 2 x basic salary after 6 months of service.
• EAP Programme.
• New parents enjoy up to £350 worth of Kendamil products (excluding Stage 1 formula).
• Employee Referral Scheme.

*Further details are available from the HR department.

If this sounds like a role for you, contact [e-mail] with your CV and a note on why you’re right for the job — we can’t wait to meet you!