Laboratory Technician
About this role
Job Advertisement: Laboratory Technician
Position: Laboratory Technician
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £15.05 per hour (37.5 hours per week)
Hours / Shift Pattern: Monday to Sunday on a five-day rotating basis.
Weekday shifts: Rotate between 05:30, 06:00, 07:00, and 12:00
Saturday shift: 08:00
Sunday shift: 06:00
Internal Advertising End Date: 2nd October 2026
About the Role
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Cotteswold Dairy to recruit a reliable, accurate, and detail-focused Laboratory Technician for their busy laboratory team in Tewkesbury.
As one of the UK’s leading independent, family-owned dairies, Cotteswold Dairy relies on its technical department to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of raw milk and pasteurised dairy products. In this role, you will support routine sampling, microbiological testing, compositional analysis, and chemical testing within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. While previous laboratory experience is advantageous, full training will be provided for candidates with the right attitude and a strong willingness to learn!
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Sampling & Testing: Carry out sampling and testing of raw milk and pasteurised dairy products.
Microbiological & Chemical Analysis: Complete microbiological testing using aseptic techniques, alongside compositional and chemical testing (including butterfat content, freezing point depression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and antibiotic residue testing).
Data Recording & Compliance: Accurately interpret and record results, monitor HACCP controls, and support food safety and legislative compliance.
Water Testing & Certification: Carry out water testing using titration methods and complete/issue customer Certificates of Analysis.
Standards & Safety: Maintain laboratory areas in a clean, tidy, and compliant condition while following COSHH, Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Good Laboratory Practice requirements.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential Attributes: Excellent attention to detail, precision, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
Communication & IT: Strong written/verbal communication skills and basic IT proficiency (Microsoft Office).
Flexibility: Willingness to work a rotating shift pattern including weekends and participate in sensory testing (evaluating pasteurised dairy products).
Desirable Background: Previous laboratory experience within the dairy or food industry, understanding of HACCP/microbiology principles, and GCSEs/A-Levels in Science, Mathematics, or English (though full training is provided!).
What We Offer (Benefits)
Competitive Pay & Progression: £15.05 per hour with clear progression pathways and practical training (including COSHH, Level 2 Food Safety, Level 2 HACCP, and potential Dairy Science courses).
Leave Allowance: 22 days holiday plus bank holidays (with an additional day after 3 years of service).
Health & Wellbeing: Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health (including cash-back options for medical, dental, and optical expenses).
Perks: Enhanced pension scheme via salary exchange, a refer-a-friend bonus scheme (up to £500 per referral), a Cycle to Work scheme, and discounted dairy products and delivery options.