Lab Assistant jobs in London

Job Introduction

To support the Technologist and Technical Manager in maintaining and enhancing quality management standards across all areas of production on a day-to-day basis. To audit and check production systems and to ensure that the highest technical standards are achieved for all foods produced at Bighams.

Permanent - Flexible Shift patterns including Sunday working:

Monday – Sunday

• 06:00 – 15:00
• 07:00 – 16:00
• 08:00 – 17:00
• 14:00 – 23:00

Main Responsibilities

Key Aspects of Job:

Working in the areas listed below with the relevant supervisors, managers and line staff to ensure quality systems are understood, implemented consistently on a daily basis and developed over time

GENERAL TECHNICAL TASKS:

• Gather and prepare microbiological samples as per schedules, cook samples where necessary, complete swabs, water samples. Re-test where necessary
• Support completion of taste panels
• Follow up on reports on problematic raw materials/WIP ingredients/finished goods to ensure decisions are made and communicate timely.
• Carry out internal audits including GMP and fabrication audits
• Audit and file production paperwork. Score and communicate the quality of the paperwork to the production team
• Aid with customer complaint investigations
• Carry out equipment and calibration checks
• CCP verification and validation
• Complete and update data logging system
• Complete traceability audits when required
• Lead or support technical projects as required
• Support project work carried out on site
• Daily and weekly temperature checks
• Review existing and implement processes required to deliver required standards on site
• Support implementation, embedding and maintenance of QA approach
• Coaching and training team members
• Support Quality and QMS Technologist.
• Review and update key cards and associated technical documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with current process/procedure.

PRODUCTION RELATED

• Support temperature monitoring checks when required
• Report results of paperwork audits, this includes non-conformance information, missing weight record data and over/under weights. Follow up any outstanding issues
• Monitor and audit adherence to Good Manufacture Practices throughout facilities
• Report any technical issues to Shift Manager’s and check that effective corrective action are taken
• Attend the daily Production meeting if required
• Ensure out of specification products are prevented from moving forward in production process by reporting unresolved technical issues
• Liaise with the day/night hygiene team regarding any cleaning/hygiene issues

RAW MATERIALS:

• Support monitoring of problematic ingredients
• Deal with rejections for technical issues by ensuring a non conformance form is filled in
• Log technical/quality issues in non-conformance log and communicate to suppliers
• Audit raw materials in stores
• Audit stock rotation procedure for incoming ingredients
• Liaise with quality department regarding quality attributes of raw ingredients
• Make routine acceptance/rejection decisions for raw materials and packaging.
• Ensure the hold and reject procedure is followed for non-conforming raw materials and packaging.
• Liaise with Supply Chain and Planning to arrange the return of rejected stock to suppliers.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of basic food hygiene
• Experience of working within a quality management system
• Good basis and understanding of PC use/IT (Microsoft office)
• Excellent communication skills – dealing with personnel on the factory floor
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and delegate to complete tasks efficiently in a timely manner
• Flexibility and ability to work in a fast changing small company environment
• Available to work outside of normal hours and bank holidays if required
• Clear and concise written skills
• Experience in a QA or QC role preferable

The Ideal Candidate

Person Specification:

Experience:

• Experience of managing a quality management system
• Experience of writing and implementing existing and new quality management procedures, completing risk assessments and
• Experience of training and embedding new ways of working

Qualifications:

• Food Science or Technology Degree qualified (or similar)
• Food Safety and HACCP qualifications

Skills:

• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Computer literate, familiar with Microsoft office
• Analytical thinker, able to understand data and draw compelling business proposals
• Problem solving
• Presentation skills
• Influencing others.

Attribute:

• Composure
• Tenacity, Drive for results
• Confident, self-starter
• Pragmatic approach able to work effectively in cross functional teams
• Deliver objectives to timelines
• Keen time management skills
• Adaptable
• Team Player
• Passion for food