Quality/ Technical Technician

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.