Laboratory Technician

About Kerry

About the role

We’re currently looking to recruit a Laboratory Technician to join our Taste & Nutrition team in Runcorn!

To perform day to day QC and QA activities, manage priority release from SAP QM, monitor and trend test results, highlight issues and recommend solutions. Monitor product/raw material performance assess suitability for release and manage non-conforming products/materials.

Key responsibilities

• To carry out all aspects of analytical work on raw materials, finished products and recurring inspections
• To ensure that all flavour batches are loaded onto the GC and/or GC-MS and traces are carefully analysed and interpreted
• Manage raw material certificates of analysis and follow up on non-conforming certificates
• Control raw material issues; raise non-conformances in SAP and escalate when required
• Assess internal and external requests to extend the shelf life of materials
• Monitor slow moving stock, in conjunction with the Supply Chain team

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• To ensure all analytical testing equipment is maintained and calibrated according to the schedule
• Monitor QC testing results and highlight/escalate potential issues as necessary to the relevant functions/key stakeholders recommending solutions to address the issue and identifying any corrective action taken
• Assist with validation and verification of site sanitation programmes by swabbing and collating micro samples in accordance with the site environmental monitoring programme, testing cleaning solution strengths and using ATP and allergen test kits
• Provide concise and accurate information to support any investigations
• Participate in the internal Quality audit process to verify compliance against defined standards and codes of practice
• Adhere to food safety, H&S and environmental standards and requirements
• Ensure the cleaning schedule is adhered to and the laboratory remains a safe and hygienic environment.
• Develop and build relationships across all departments in particular Supply Chain and Production to ensure efficient end to end delivery of customer products
• Assist with on boarding of new team members in similar roles
• Follow all Food Safety, Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental requirements of the site – ensuring you comply with the site’s procedures and standards
• Report all Food safety and Quality incidences along with near-misses, accidents, hazards, occupational illnesses and emergencies in line with correct reporting procedures. Support the investigation processes when required to do so
• Participate in Food Safety & Health and Safety initiatives and programmes on site, such as Health and Safety week, risk assessments and behavioural safety observations, to drive a positive culture and eliminate workplace incidents

Qualifications and skills

• Practical experience within a food/pharma or chemical manufacturing Laboratory environment
• Knowledge of QC testing equipment and methods, (preferably including GC and GC-MS)
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Particularly Excel)
• Ability to prioritise own workload in accordance with business needs.
• Strong problem solving/mathematical skills
• High level of accuracy/attention to detail.
• Organoleptic assessment ability - odour and flavour evaluation (will include alcohol and some allergenic materials)
• Ability to act on own initiative, working alone or in a team environment
• Confidence and ability to make decisions
• Ability to work well and keep a clear focus under pressure
• An investigative mind with proven problem-solving skills and a passion to identify the root cause of non-conformities